Another Horse Collapse in Palma: Carriage Dispute Heads to the Next Round

Once again, a carriage horse lay motionless on Palma's cobblestones after collapsing. Animal welfare groups say it's a warning sign, while the city cites slick surfaces.

What happened in the morning

On Monday morning, around 11:30 a.m., an incident occurred in the historic town's Calle Carnisseria entrance area that quickly became talk of the town: A horse drawing a carriage collapsed onto the cobblestone and remained motionless for several minutes. Pedestrians stopped, tourists pulled out their phones — it seemed as if no one knew quite what to do next.

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Eyewitnesses and Reactions

Several people reported that the passengers had initially waited in the carriage until helpers were on site. A witness who walks daily through the old town told me later: \"The animal was breathing shallowly, it looked exhausted. After five or six minutes it could slowly get back up.\" The horse was evidently cared for by residents and the coachman before the local police arrived.

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Statements from Politics and Animal Welfare

The animal welfare group Progreso en Verde sharply criticized the incident. Party leader Guillermo Amengual speaks of a series of exhausting deployments for the animals this season and calls for strictly reviewing the use of horse-drawn carriages on hot days. It is clear that this issue divides many residents and tourists — opinions differ, but concern for the animals is high.

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The town hall confirmed the incident, but emphasized that the carriage had been driven into a pedestrian zone that is officially not approved. It is noted that the cobbles there can become particularly slick with horseshoes. Criminal investigations have been initiated, and authorities point out that the horses used are regularly examined by a veterinarian.

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No Isolated Incident: Similar Situation a Few Days Earlier

Already last Saturday a similar collapse was reported near the San Nicolás church. Passersby helped free the animal from the harness, cooled it with water, and after a few minutes it could stand again. Vets suspect circulatory problems or overheating — typical for the transitional period when days still reach summer temperatures.

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What Remains in the End?

The debate is neither new nor simple: Carriages are part of Palma's image for many; they are a tradition and a source of income. On the other hand, there are animal welfare concerns and questions about routes, working hours, and paving. I often see drivers in the early mornings lovingly tending to their animals — and yet incidents like this remain a warning signal. Perhaps it's time for clearer rules, shadier routes, or simply fewer deployments on hot days. Until then, the topic will continue to be discussed, over coffees in the plazas and in the town halls alike.

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Tags: Horses, Palma, Animal welfare, Carriages