Work conditions enforced for Palma’s horses

PALMA City Hall has increased controls for horses and carriages used as a tourist attraction in the city, following complaints from animal associations.

August is the busiest period for the horse-drawn carriages, but the animals are often exhausted and last year one collapsed in the street.

There are currently 61 horses and 28 carriages registered. All the horses are in good health, but the council found that there was one not registered. The horses have electronic chips and those that are not registered or have health problems are not allowed to work.

Following demands to ensure that the horses were in good condition, the city hall now carries out blood tests to check they do not have liver problems or anaemia, the councillor for Ecology, Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Neus Truyol, reported.

Checks are also being carried out at the stops in Calle Conquistador and next to the cathedral, including time checks to make sure the horses are not overworked. There are three time controls per day, carried out by vets three times per week, and so far the rules are being obeyed.

Animal associations have asked for the Calle Conquistador stop to be moved, as it is on a hill. Others have asked for the carriages to be swapped for electric cars.

Last spring, 60,000 signatures were presented to the city hall in the hope of banning the services.