Palermo city council votes to phase out horse-drawn carriages for electric vehicles
Sicilian capital votes to gradually replace horse-drawn tourist carriages with electric vehicles and adopts a new animal welfare regulation, sparking calls for other Italian cities to follow suit.
Palermo's city council decided on 25 July 2026 to progressively eliminate horse-drawn carriages for tourist transport, converting the service to electric vehicles, while simultaneously approving a new municipal animal-welfare regulation.
The vote and the transition timeline
The council’s decision, which passed with cross-party backing, mandates that within three to six months the administration produce a detailed conversion plan. During a one-year transitional period, existing licence holders may continue operating, but no new animal-drawn licences will be granted. The intention is to guide operators toward electric vehicles while preserving employment levels.
- City council approves phase-out of horse-drawn carriages and new animal-welfare regulation.
- Administration presents conversion plan.
- Existing operators must comply; no new animal-drawn licenses issued.
A new animal-welfare framework
Alongside the carriage decision, the council adopted a comprehensive animal-welfare regulation. The text, described by assessor Fabrizio Ferrandelli as an organic and innovative norm, collects instruments for the protection of all animal species, the recognition of their rights, and the prevention of mistreatment, abuse or exploitation. Citizens gain concrete reporting tools, and law enforcement receives a clear operational and sanctioning framework. Ferrandelli called the regulation a unique regulatory precedent of absolute importance on the national scene. The regulation was drafted in cooperation with animal associations, council commissions, the local health authority, the animal-rights guarantor, and sector workers.
Political and activist reactions
Oipa’s regional rapporteur Ornella Speciale called the measure a “historic turning point for animal rights” and said the outcome reflects active collaboration between animalist groups, council bodies, and other stakeholders.
A significant change, which responds to a growing cultural sensitivity respectful of horse welfare. We hope Palermo’s choice can represent a model for other Italian cities as well.
Mayor Roberto Lagalla stressed the balance between animal welfare and employment.
The first resolution represents a turn of civilization that allows us to leave behind an economic activity based on the exploitation of the horse.
Why the decision now
The horse-drawn carriage trade has been controversial for years. Horses have collapsed from heat on Palermo’s streets during hot summers, forcing the municipality to issue repeated emergency orders suspending the service. The approved measures aim to replace a system that officials describe as incompatible with animal well-being. With the regulation in force and the conversion plan under development, the focus now shifts to the practical rollout. The model could be replicated in other Italian cities where similar debates over horse-drawn tourism are underway.
