Should horse carriage rides be banned?

A recent horse carriage crash in Fuengirola has reignited debate over whether horse-drawn carriage rides should be banned, particularly during periods of extreme heat. Euro Weekly News readers were asked whether horse carriage rides should be banned, with the majority of respondents firmly in favour. Many focused-on animal welfare, while others acknowledged the impact a ban could have on those who rely on carriage rides for their income.

For Linda McFadden, there should be an end to both horse and donkey rides. She said: “Time to stop those carriage rides plus the donkey rides.”

Animal welfare was also central to Shon Drek’s response, who argued that animals deserve to be treated with the same consideration afforded to other living beings. “Respect for animals is respect for life. They are not toys for us to play games with. They think and they have emotions. They get anxious and bored. It’s incredibly sad to abuse them especially because we are humans with a conscience and should know better.”

Melissa Baker was similarly critical of using horses to transport tourists in high temperatures, saying: “No one wants to see these poor horses in the heat carrying entitled tourists.”

The potential danger to both animals and people was highlighted by Gordon O’Keeffe, who believed accidents could be avoided. “If accidents like this are happening and can easily be prevented, then yes. Horses are skittish at the best of times, unpredictable. Especially in boiling hot weather. Stressed and anxious, they can be very dangerous (point in question) The only other thing to consider is that these are people’s livelihoods, their only source of income perhaps?”

That concern about livelihoods provides another side to the debate, with carriage operators potentially depending on the trade to support themselves and their families. However, for Ali Scott, responsibility ultimately rests with those in charge. “Those in authority need to act and not just talk about it!”

Other readers were unequivocal in their views. Penny Evans simply responded: “Definitely yes.” Robb Spontaneous was equally direct, stating: “Yes. Total animal abuse.”

The responses show strong concern about the welfare of horses used for carriage rides, particularly during periods of extreme heat. While the livelihoods of carriage operators remain an important consideration, most people said horse carriage rides should be banned, reflecting growing concern over whether the tradition can be justified when animal welfare and public safety may be at risk.