Palma Orders Medical Examinations for Two Carriage Horses After Collapses

Following two incidents in which carriage horses collapsed in Palma, the city ordered a special investigation. Animal welfare groups are calling for an end to horse-drawn carriage rides.

Two Carriage Horses Undergoing a Special Examination

In Palma, two carriage horses have temporarily collapsed in recent days. The city administration reacted quickly: A comprehensive health check for both animals has been scheduled for tomorrow. They want official clarity — and in writing, as announced by the town hall.

What is Known So Far

According to city officials, initial indications do not point to heat stroke or chronic illnesses, but rather individual accidents. The administration did not initially provide concrete details. The examination should now show whether traffic conditions, driving style, or other circumstances were decisive.

A clinical examination by veterinarians is planned, including blood tests and orthopedic checks. In addition, working hours, break protocols, and the weight of the load will be checked — all of which is repeatedly discussed locally: When is there enough rest for a workhorse? Who really controls that?

Reactions from the City

In the narrow alleys around Passeig del Born and Plaça Major residents have watched with concern in recent days. \"I was here yesterday at noon; the horse needed minutes to get back on its feet,\" says a market vendor who does not want their name in the newspaper. A taxi driver adds dryly: \"The carriages are a tradition, but when animals suffer, the fun stops.\"

Animal Welfare Groups Call for Consequences

Various animal welfare associations are using the incidents to repeat their demand: End horse-drawn carriage rides in the city center. They point to structural problems — from traffic stress to high temperatures in summer. Activists say they will carefully review the investigation results and, if necessary, take legal action.

The mood is mixed: Some tourists show understanding, others are shocked. The city assures that violations of regulations will be sanctioned. Whether that is enough to defuse the debate remains open.

What Comes Next

Tomorrow the results of the investigations are not yet fully available, but authorities promise timely information. If it turns out that rules were violated, fines and stricter checks threaten. And regardless, voices calling for an end to carriage rides will grow louder.

Anyone traveling around Palma sees the carriages daily: part of the cityscape, for some a culture, for others a problem. The investigation could be a turning point — or just another chapter in a long-running debate here.