Colombia’s Constitutional Court Bans the Use of Animals for Tourist Traction Activities
Colombia’s Constitutional Court has declared unconstitutional an exception that allowed animals to be used in traction vehicles for tourism and recreational activities. The decision, issued through Ruling C-310 of 2026, changes the scope of Law 2138 of 2021 and directly affects practices such as traditional horse-drawn carriages used for tourist tours in some cities across […]
Colombia's Constitutional Court has ruled that animals cannot be used for tourist traction activities across the country. This decision, issued in Ruling C-310 of 2026, will be in effect for a six-month transition period. The ruling overturns an exception in Law 2138 of 2021 that allowed animals to be used in tourist and recreational traction vehicles, including traditional horse-drawn carriages.
The Court stated that the exception violates Article 79 of the Colombian Constitution, which guarantees a healthy environment and participation in decisions affecting it. The decision impacts practices like horse-drawn carriages used for tourist tours in cities like Cartagena, where an exception had already been eliminated before the national ruling.
The Court granted a six-month transition period to allow local authorities to develop replacement mechanisms, train workers for new jobs, and ensure animals are not returned to tourist work. Cartagena's experience demonstrates the upcoming transitions, with the city already banning animal-drawn carriages in its historic center and replacing them with electric alternatives.
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