Mar del Plata Considers Modernizing Regulations on Horse-Drawn Vehicles
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The Mar del Plata Deliberative Council is considering a proposal to update regulations concerning tracción a sangre (blood traction),the practice of using horses to pull carts for work. The current regulations,dating back to 1976,are considered outdated and insufficient to address both animal welfare concerns and the socioeconomic realities of those who rely on this work. Councilor Diego García of the Unión por la Patria bloc has initiated the discussion, aiming to foster a collaborative approach to finding enduring solutions.
Historical Context and Current Regulations
The existing ordinance, enacted in 1976, restricts horse-drawn cart traffic to a limited area within the city’s macrocenter. https://www.mardelplata.gob.ar/ (Official Mar del Plata Government Website – for general context) This regulation fails to account for the city’s growth and the evolving needs of the individuals and families who depend on tracción a sangre for their livelihoods. The term “blood traction” itself refers to the use of animal power, specifically horses, for pulling loads.
The Proposed Update: A Collaborative Approach
Councilor García’s proposal calls for a work day dedicated to debating a comprehensive update to the regulations. The initiative emphasizes a participatory process, seeking input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including:
* Municipal institutions
* Animal protection organizations
* Relevant specialists (veterinarians, animal welfare experts)
* Representatives of urban recuperators (individuals involved in collecting recyclable materials using horse-drawn carts)
* University researchers
The goal is to collaboratively review the current regulations and develop solutions that address traffic association, animal care, and the social inclusion of families reliant on this form of work.
Seeking Alternatives and Best Practices
The proposal highlights triumphant initiatives in other Buenos Aires municipalities that have implemented programs to transition workers away from tracción a sangre. These programs often involve providing alternatives such as motorcycles or electric vehicles, coupled with support to ensure a decent standard of living for the workers. https://www.argentina.gob.ar/ (Argentine Government Website – for broader context on municipal initiatives) García argues that Mar del Plata should learn from these examples and avoid further delays in addressing the issue.
The project frames tracción a sangre as a matter of both social justice and animal welfare. Concerns center around the potential for animal exhaustion and the precarious economic conditions faced by families who depend on this work. The proposal seeks to build a sustainable solution that eliminates animal suffering and provides viable economic alternatives for those affected.
“No horse should suffer to survive, and no family should depend on that to eat,” García stated, emphasizing the need for Mar del Plata to be a leader in both animal welfare and social responsibility.
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