After many years as a tourist attraction, horse-drawn carriages were officially removed from Benito Juárez Boulevard during a mobility inspection operation conducted on the morning of Jan. 2.
While the decision marks the end of a long-standing tradition for fans of these carriage rides, it was welcomed by animal rights advocates and organizations.
The prohibition stems from a reform spearheaded by Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, which bans the use of animals for pulling vehicles in tourist activities.
As part of the operation, the iconic carriage operated by Manuel “N,” popularly known as “El Pato,” was towed away by crane.
In February 2024, Governor Ávila Olmeda introduced a reform to the State Congress aimed at prohibiting the use of animals for pulling or propelling tourist transportation and other types of vehicles in Baja California.
The initiative amended mobility and animal protection laws, establishing penalties for those who violate the new regulations.
One significant change was made to Article 32 of the Domestic Animal Protection Law, which now explicitly prohibits the use of animals for pulling or propelling vehicles.
Previously, the law allowed such use under certain conditions, such as weight restrictions and care requirements.
The reform was driven by growing public concern over animal welfare, particularly after the death of a horse from exhaustion while pulling a tourist carriage in Ensenada in 2023.
Numerous complaints had also been filed about the poor conditions in which these animals were used for profit.
The law’s objective is to ensure animal welfare while offering alternatives for those who relied on horse-drawn carriages for their livelihood.
Authorities proposed mechanical vehicles as replacements, but some operators refused the offer and continued their activities despite warnings that the state mandate was non-negotiable.