Cozumel’s Horse Carriages: Profit vs. Animal Cruelty

Cozumel, Mexico — Despite extreme temperatures and ongoing allegations of animal cruelty, horse-drawn carriages continue to operate on the island of Cozumel under the protection of a judicial injunction. Animal rights organizations are demanding their immediate removal, citing violations of Quintana Roo’s Animal Welfare Law.

A Legal Shield for Controversial Operations

The lucrative business, generating up to $1,000 daily, persists due to an injunction granted in 2020 under case file 08/2020 by the Third District Court of Quintana Roo, presided over by Judge Juan Carlos Robertos Chuc. The injunction was issued in favor of concessionaire José Julio Azcorra Rejón, who filed the legal challenge against the state’s Animal Welfare Law.

Azcorra Rejón owns 10 horse-drawn carriages, five of which remain in operation after the Cozumel City Council complied with the court order in August 2020. A total of 17 concessions exist on the island, though only half still use horses.

Extreme Conditions and Animal Welfare Concerns

Daily, the horses are forced to work under pavement temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius (122°F), exposing them to heat stress, dehydration, exhaustion, and potential hoof and joint injuries.

“It is urgent to remove these horses from the streets. This is cruel and utterly inhumane treatment. Authorities are allowing a standing law to be violated through an injunction that should no longer be in effect,” said Flor Tapia Pastrana, president of the organization Opus Magnum.

Profits Over Ethics

The business model, though ethically contentious, yields significant profits. Tourists report paying between $50 and $100 (approximately 1,000 to 2,000 pesos) for a 50-minute ride, depending on the season and negotiation. With each of the five active carriages completing at least two rides per day, daily earnings can reach $1,000.

Revenue multiplies during peak seasons such as Easter, summer, and December, coinciding with increased cruise ship arrivals.

Political and Social Pushback

In February 2024, a local reform was proposed to permanently ban the use of horses in carriages, aligning with the state’s Animal Welfare Law. However, the concessionaire’s influence has stalled progress.

Activists and citizens have promoted alternatives such as electric or motorized carriages, which have been developed and tested on the island. Yet, they accuse Azcorra of pressuring and even threatening other carriage operators to prevent the adoption of these new units, obstructing technological transition.

“This issue is not just legal—it’s ethical and social. Animals cannot continue to be exploited as tourist attractions under extreme conditions for financial gain,” emphasized Tapia Pastrana.

Government Response and Ongoing Challenges

The state government has initiated environmental operations to monitor the horses’ physical condition and explore replacement options. However, as long as the injunction remains in place, municipal authorities are legally obligated to permit their operation.

The situation highlights a conflict between acquired judicial rights and the urgent need to uphold animal welfare. Organizations like Opus Magnum are urging the state Congress and judiciary to intervene, seeking an end to the practice and setting a precedent for environmental and ethical justice in Quintana Roo.