Horses and Carriages in Marbella
Marbella Ordinance on Horse-Driven Carriages Open for Public Consultation
From the 2nd April until the 16th May (included), the Marbella Ordinance on horse-driven carriages, regarded as a public service, has been put up for public consultation. The Ordinance clearly improves the existing one. Amongst other things, it includes new rules aimed at caring the well-being of the horses, as required as per law 7/2023 on Animal rights and their welfare. It also follows the Guide on Good Practices for the Wellbeing of Equines in Public Service Horse-Driven Carriages, issued by the Council of Veterinary Associations.
Some comments to the Ordinance have already been made. Proposals include improving the existing horse-carriage stops with marquees offering shelter from wind, rain or excessive sun, as well as providing running water and other convenient facilities. Again, a request has been for Marbella to have a municipal veterinarian, as required by law. An Animal Defence Office where any issues may be reported and from where prompt action may be taken, has been suggested.
It does not seem acceptable that current license-holders should not receive any training: on the contrary, they should undergo advanced training, given their ample experience, which is what would justify them being exempt from having to take any exams. A mandatory annual or bi-annual seminar with veterinarians, the Local Police and Town Hall officials has been suggested too.
Long working hours require third-party control to make sure the animals do not exceed the maximum of eight hours per day, with at least 30 minutes rest every two hours. Under conditions of excessive humidity or heat, the animals should not work at all. The table contained in the Guide of Good Practices should be on public display at each stop, together with a thermometer and a hygrometer. The five weeks annual holidays they must have should not be in the stable where the horse goes back to sleep every night, but rather enjoyed in a meadow in complete freedom.
Other proposals include raising prices by a small amount, that should go to caring for horses retired from work due to old age or ill health, often not well treated at all as they are no longer “profitable”. In cases of maltreatment, the priority should be paying for vet fees and any other care the horse could need, and only in second place, paying the relevant fine to the Town Hall or, eventually the Criminal Court. Far too often the focus is solely on the administration receiving payment of the fine, whilst charities with scarce resources are left to care for the animal.