Animal rights activists call for electric alternative in Mallorca

ANIMAL activists have launched a new campaign against the exploitation of horses.

AnimaNaturalis are demanding the replacement of Palma’s famous horsedrawn carriages with electric ones.

They have presented an official request to Palma Town Hall. In a press statement AnimaNaturalis noted that the council had unanimously approved a bill to improve the horses’ wellbeing.

But that was three years ago and nothing has been done. “To this day no action has been taken and Palma’s horses suffer continuous exploitation throughout the summer,” the statement read.

The activist group also accused coachmen of physically abusing and punishing the animals, and “treating them merely as a means of transport.”

Examples include forcing the horses to carry more passengers than is legally allowed, denying them rest breaks and proper hygiene, and making them bake in the sun with temperatures above 40 degrees.

Last year two horses died due to negligent treatment, the group allege. AnimaNaturalis accused police and officials of turning a blind eye to the abuse.

They warned them, however, that people are becoming more and more sensitive to issues of animal abuse and the tide is changing.

Replacing horse-drawn carriages with eco-friendly electric ones is an idea gaining popularity around the world. It is now part of the election manifesto of several Mallorca parties.