Italy Moves to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages in Rome

Rome's iconic horse-drawn carriages may soon become a thing of the past as Italian lawmakers push for a nationwide ban on animal-powered tourist transportation.

Members of Italy's Chamber of Deputies introduced a bill this week that would eliminate "botticelle," the traditional horse-drawn carriages that have carried tourists through Rome and other historic cities for generations. The proposed law has support from three major political parties: PD, Avs, and M5S.

The push comes after years of concern from animal welfare groups about horses working on scorching asphalt in extreme summer heat. Environmental organizations like Amore A Quattro Zampe have documented how modern city streets, designed for cars rather than animals, create unsafe conditions for working horses.

"Individual municipal ordinances that restrict the hours and activities of the botticelle are not enough," explained PD MP Patrizia Prestipino, Rome's animal welfare guarantor. The bill would repeal the Highway Code article that currently authorizes animal-drawn vehicles for public hire, effectively ending their use for tourist, recreational, and ceremonial purposes across Italy.

Rome officials are backing the change with public awareness. Throughout August, the capital's main tourist areas will feature a campaign called "A piedi è più bello" (On foot is more beautiful), displayed in both Italian and English to encourage visitors to explore without horse carriages.

The Ripple Effect

This legislative move reflects a broader shift in how cities balance tradition with modern animal welfare standards. Rome Councillor Rocco Ferraro, who oversees environmental protection and animal welfare for the capital, framed it as progress rather than loss.

"In 2026, continuing to have horses pulling carriages in the heart of the capital is a practice that belongs to the past, not the future," Ferraro said. He's calling on Parliament to seize what he describes as a "historic opportunity" to end the practice permanently.

If passed, Italy would join a growing list of countries and cities worldwide that have moved away from animal-powered tourist attractions in favor of more humane alternatives.

Rome's ancient streets will still tell their stories, just without requiring horses to work under the summer sun.