Rome horse collapse fuels push to ban historic carriage rides

On 4 July 2026 a horse pulling a traditional carriage – known locally as a “botticella” – collapsed on the Ponte Cavour in central Rome as temperatures exceeded 30 °C. The incident, captured on video and shared widely on social media, showed the exhausted animal lying on the hot asphalt while the driver and onlookers struggled to help.

The collapse sparked immediate condemnation from politicians across the spectrum. Rachele Mussolini, Forza Italia group leader in the city council, called for an end to the practice, while Azione councillors Flavia De Gregorio and Antonio De Santis labelled the tradition “anachronistic and indecent”. Democratic Party animal‑welfare officer Patrizia Prestipino said the city is no longer suitable for horse‑drawn carriages.

Rome’s administration has proposed replacing the remaining sixteen carriage licences with free taxi licences and providing replacement vehicles, potentially funded by car‑maker sponsorships. Animal‑rights groups and the Legion of the Dog in Ostia have described the practice as cruelty and urged a permanent ban.

The debate highlights broader concerns about animal welfare, tourism, and traffic safety in a historic city facing increasingly extreme summer heat.