In Poços de Caldas, the use of traditional horse-drawn carriages is coming to an end, with this weekend marking the final days of their operation. From next Friday, April 13, only electric carriages will be allowed to operate, as mandated by a recent decree from the city hall published on April 6. This change reflects the city’s commitment to modernizing its transportation options and improving animal welfare by phasing out animal-drawn vehicles.

The decree formalizes a law passed in December last year, which officially abolishes the use of horse-drawn carriages while establishing a system for electric vehicles intended for tourism. It also includes stipulations for financial support for current operators of the horse-drawn carriages, who will be able to apply for assistance to transition to alternative livelihoods. The package of benefits aims to provide approximately R$ 20,000 in support during the transition period, alongside additional funding for the care and feeding of the horses.

This initiative not only aligns with growing trends toward sustainable transportation but also addresses concerns about the ethical treatment of working animals. The transition to electric carriages is seen as a positive step towards ecological tourism in the region, reflecting a broader commitment to enhancing the attractions in Poços de Caldas while ensuring the well-being of former working animals. As the community adapts to this significant change, it opens up discussions about the future of tourism and transportation in similar municipalities across Brazil.