Mijas council has issued a new ruling updating regulations for donkey taxis, donkey carts, and horse-drawn carriages, based on the guidelines they published in August 2024.
Signed by the mayor, the rules focus on three key areas to improve animal welfare and public safety. Firstly, the decree reinforces the 2011 municipal ordinance, allowing adjustments to routes and schedules for public interest. To protect animals and drivers during extreme heat, services will be suspended from 2pm to 6pm during AEMET’s yellow heat warnings, and entirely during orange or red alerts. This is in line with the Spanish Veterinary Council’s guide on equine welfare in public services.
The second point addresses waste management, citing the ordinance’s Article 15.5. Operators must collect animal droppings at stops and along routes, with failure classified as a serious offence, carrying fines of between €750 and €1,500. The ruling recommends preventive collection systems attached to animals (donkey nappies) to keep streets clean and prohibits disposing of waste in organic bins to maintain hygiene standards.
Lastly, the new rules mandate that ropes used to tether animals at stops, rest areas, or during routes must be at least 50 centimetres long, ensuring a minimum standard of movement and comfort for the creatures.
The council have informed donkey drivers in advance, reflecting its ongoing commitment to the well-being of both the animals and the operators.
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