Else Beekman
The Marbella City Council is updating its rules for horse-drawn carriages, introducing new animal welfare standards for the first time. The current regulations, which date back to 2010, did not include specific protections for the horses, such as a ban on whips. The revised rules will also limit operating licenses to a maximum of 20 years.
In October 2020, the local government, led by the Popular Party (PP), announced plans to phase out horse-drawn carriages within three years. The proposal included offering each of the 19 license holders €30,000 to stop operating. However, instead of a full ban, the plan has now shifted to modernising the existing regulations. The new rules will be initially approved at the next council meeting. This will be followed by a 30-day public consultation period before final implementation.
Key changes in the new rules
The updated regulations aim to preserve the cultural and historical significance of horse-drawn carriages while ensuring better animal welfare and service standards. A new section specifically focuses on horse care, rest, and protection from extreme weather. The rules also introduce official pricing:
- €30 for a 30-minute ride
- €50 for an hour
- €60 per hour for event rentals
Existing license holders will have 12 months to comply with the new requirements.
Stronger animal welfare measures
One of the most significant improvements is stricter animal welfare protections. Horses will need a veterinary check-up at least every six months, with more frequent inspections if required. The council will also set age limits, allowing only horses between 4 and 18 years old to work, with possible extensions up to 23 years, depending on their health. Horses must receive proper food, water, and rest, and their stables must be environments suited to their needs. Carriage stands and resting areas must also have shelters, and drivers must ensure that horses get at least two consecutive hours of rest during an eight-hour shift.
Ban on whips and harsh treatment
While the previous rules only recommended limiting whip use, the new ordinance fully bans direct contact with the animal. Any form of physical punishment or mistreatment that affects the horses’ well-being is strictly prohibited.
Stricter penalties for rule breakers
The revised regulations introduce tougher penalties for non-compliance. The most serious offenses include operating carriages or horses without meeting technical and health requirements, putting both public safety and animal welfare at risk. Serious violations also cover the use of horses that do not meet national animal protection laws.
Implementation before summer
The new regulations represent a major step toward improving animal welfare while preserving Marbella’s traditional horse-drawn carriage service. The ordinance is expected to take effect before the summer and demonstrates the city’s commitment to ethical tourism and responsible animal care.
Other cities taking action
In recent years, several Spanish cities have moved to ban the use of horse-drawn carriages for tourism. Málaga, for example, has decided to eliminate horse-drawn carriage rides in its historic centre to protect animal welfare and improve the city’s image.
Similarly, Palma de Mallorca has replaced horse-drawn carriages with electric vehicles. Barcelona was one of the first cities to take action, banning horse-drawn carriages in 2015, with the last active license expiring in 2018. Other cities, such as Seville and Mijas, have introduced stricter regulations to improve animal welfare, showing a wider shift towards more sustainable and ethical alternatives to traditional carriage rides.