In Palma, local law enforcement moved decisively to address a troubling situation involving an aging horse hitched to a wooden galley. The animal showed clear signs of lameness in both legs, a condition that made it unsuitable for any form of service or work. The intervention came after a growing concern from nearby residents and animal welfare observers who reported the animal’s deteriorating condition and the potential risks to public safety when such a creature was put to work in urban traffic.
According to officials from the Local Police, the events unfolded on a day in late May when officers on Antoni Maura Street detected the cart and its driver with the visibly ailing animal. The galley, a traditional horse-drawn vehicle, stood out not only because of its condition but also due to the obvious strain borne by the horse during its daily duties in the area. The officers proceeded with a careful assessment to determine whether the animal could continue to operate under current circumstances and what steps would be needed to safeguard the horse and pedestrians alike.
Mounted Unit officers conducted a thorough inspection of the vehicle and confirmed that the horse had recently failed its annual checkup, signaling chronic issues that could jeopardize its welfare and the safety of the surrounding community. The officers documented the findings with diligence, noting the animal’s advanced age and persistent lameness as the primary factors behind the decision to remove it from active service. This determination reflected a broader commitment to responsible animal care and the welfare standards expected of drivers who use municipal or privately owned gaited vehicles in public streets.
As a result of the review, authorities decided to immobilize the galley and ensure the animal could be relocated to a secure, suitable facility where it could receive proper care. The process involved notifying the galley operator and ensuring the horse was moved to a stable environment under supervision. The officers emphasized that the horse would not be allowed to return to service until all welfare criteria were satisfactorily addressed and a formal veterinary evaluation confirmed there was no risk to the animal’s health or to public safety. The action demonstrated a straightforward, pragmatic approach to enforcing safety standards while prioritizing humane treatment of the animal.
City services were prepared to intervene if there were any recurrence of the problematic situation. Police reminded the galley owner of the rules governing the use of draft animals in traffic and the obligation to maintain equipment in good condition. The message was clear: any future violations would trigger swift municipal response, including potential seizures or sanctions, to prevent a repeat of the risk to both animals and people. The incident highlighted the ongoing partnership between law enforcement, animal welfare authorities, and community members in keeping the streets safe and ensuring responsible caretaking of working animals.