The collapse of a carriage horse in Majorca has prompted calls for tourists to be responsible when considering activities involving equines. On Saturday (23 July) as temperatures reached 40°C, footage captured the fallen horse in the street in Palma, with the apparent driver urging it to its feet.
An onlooker can be heard calling to bring water while passengers remain seated as the horse struggles on the ground. It has been reported that the horse returned to his feet, but it is not known whether he continued working that day.
Palma junto a la llamada plaza de las tortugas . Asi utilizan los caballos para que las personas se tomen su respectivo estupido selfie mientras son transportados muy comodos por unos caballos a una tempertura alta en España ! Esa gente ni se baja a ver del caballo #Mallorca pic.twitter.com/6PjLhTFoQI
— Patricia Montero (@Pattymontero_) July 25, 2022
A spokesman for international equine welfare charity Brooke said tourists should carefully consider their choices when on holiday.
“This sad situation shows the harsh reality for many horses and donkeys working in tourism, enduring sweltering conditions and carrying heavy loads,” they told Your Horse. “When on holiday, it’s so important to think before you ride and consider the welfare of the animal in front of you; do they have access to water and shade? Can they carry or pull my weight? We all have a responsibility to make positive choices and prevent unnecessary suffering.”
Animal rights group Progreso en Verde has called for a protest against the “exploitation of horses” on Saturday (30 July) and Anima Naturalis has denounced the continued use of carriages during the heatwave. Meanwhile plans for electric vehicles to replace horses are also being considered.
