Colombia's Attorney General Backs Ban on Horses in Tourism
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Colombia's Attorney General's Office supports a lawsuit to ban the use of horses in tourism nationwide.
- The lawsuit targets an exception in a 2021 law that allowed horses to continue being used for entertainment and tourism.
- This move, backed by the Ministry of Public, aims to promote technological alternatives and protect animal welfare.
The Attorney General's Office has taken a decisive stance, throwing its full support behind the lawsuit seeking to prohibit the use of horses in tourism activities across Colombia. This is a landmark decision that aligns with the growing global awareness of animal welfare and the ethical considerations surrounding tourism. The Ministry of Public's concept, submitted to the Constitutional Court, directly challenges the legal loophole that has allowed the continued exploitation of these animals for entertainment. By advocating for the declaration of inexecutability of the phrase 'tourist activities' in Law 2138 of 2021, the Attorney General's Office is pushing for a future where tourism in Colombia is free from animal cruelty. This is not merely about banning horse-drawn carriages; it's about a fundamental shift in how we view our relationship with sentient beings and ensuring that progress in tourism does not come at the cost of their suffering. Cartagena's transition to electric vehicles serves as a powerful example of what is possible when we prioritize innovation and compassion.
The use of mules and horses as a tourist attraction is not exempt from mistreatment practices. They face strenuous journeys that have caused collapses due to exhaustion and even death.
Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.