Mérida urged to swap horse carriages for electric vehicles

Mérida, Yucatán — Animal rights activists in Mérida are calling on the city government to phase out horse-drawn carriages in favor of electric alternatives, citing concerns over animal welfare and repeated violations of weight regulations.

Overloaded Carriages and Animal Welfare Violations

Elsa Arceo, a representative of Animalistas Independientes Unidos, reported that horse-drawn carriages frequently exceed passenger limits, endangering the animals. According to local regulations, carriages may carry a maximum of five people, including the driver. However, activists have documented cases where horses were forced to pull over eight passengers, plus the wooden carriage itself, totaling more than 500 kilograms—far exceeding safe limits.

Arceo emphasized that Mérida currently has 62 horse-drawn carriages in operation, while only six electric carriages exist, with just four functioning. She urged the Mérida City Council to amend its regulations to prioritize animal welfare and transition to electric vehicles, similar to policies adopted in other Mexican states.

Health Risks and Lack of Cooperation

Activists also raised alarms about horses working while visibly ill or injured, as well as incidents of abuse. Arceo noted that carriage operators have refused to allow inspections of their animal shelters, leaving the condition of the horses after 12-hour workdays unknown.

Despite dialogue between activists, city officials, and carriage operators, no concrete solutions have been reached. The Mérida City Council’s Animal and Environmental Protection Unit has engaged with the issue, but activists say the carriage industry has resisted collaboration.

Calls for Public Support and Policy Change

Arceo urged tourists and residents to avoid horse-drawn carriages and join protests advocating for animal welfare. She clarified that the goal is not to deprive carriage drivers of their livelihoods but to find sustainable solutions through cooperation.

The push for reform follows several high-profile incidents, including a horse collapsing in Mérida’s city center last year while pulling a carriage. Activists argue that extreme heat and overwork have led to preventable animal deaths.

Related Developments

• Earlier this year, protesters marched along Paseo Montejo demanding justice for abused animals.
• A 2021 demonstration on National Horse Day highlighted similar concerns about carriage horses in Mérida.

The activists’ campaign continues to gain traction as they pressure local authorities for enforceable reforms.