Palma de Mallorca carriage driver dispute sparks animal welfare debate

A confrontation in Palma de Mallorca between a German tourist and a carriage driver has sparked a debate over animal welfare and driver conduct. The incident occurred in late August 2026 at a carriage stand on Calle Conquistador after Xenia Denise, a tourist and activist, attempted to provide water to a horse she perceived as exhausted and dehydrated.

Accounts of the event differ significantly. Denise reported being subjected to verbal abuse, personal insults, and physical aggression, including having water thrown at her. Conversely, the local drivers' association, La Calesa de Palma, claims the woman provoked the driver with insults and caused economic loss by discouraging other tourists from using the service.

The animal rights party Progreso en Verde has intervened, with president Guillermo Amengual announcing plans to take the case to the Prosecutor's Office for alleged assault, harassment, and hate speech. The organization is demanding the immediate revocation of the driver's license. The Palma Municipality is currently investigating the circumstances to determine appropriate disciplinary actions, stating it will not tolerate behavior incompatible with professional duties.