Horse-drawn carriage rides may be banned in Smiltynė over animal welfare concerns

Horse-drawn carriage rides in Smiltynė, a popular seaside resort in Klaipėda, could soon be phased out after a city council member proposed ending permits for the activity, citing evolving standards for animal welfare, LRT reports.

The tradition, maintained for 35 years by local horse owner Alma Gadeikytė, involves transporting tourists along the coastal strip between the ferry terminal and the Sea Museum. Gadeikytė, who currently operates alone after competitors dropped out, insists her horses—named Pilotas and Majus—are well cared for and not overworked.

“A horse is built to move—it’s in their nature, rain or shine,” said Marija, a former carriage driver for Gadeikytė. “Alma’s horses have shelter, shade, and trees. I’ve never seen them left standing in the sun.” Gadeikytė, a trained veterinarian, adds that her four horses earn their own keep: summer earnings from tourist rides cover their winter feed.

But council member Ugnius Radvila argues that modern animal welfare standards make the practice outdated. “A horse shouldn’t be hauling heavy carriages in 30–35°C heat on asphalt,” he said. “Times have changed—just as we no longer accept circuses making dogs fly or elephants sing.” Radvila suggests horses could still be displayed for educational purposes but not used for labor-intensive rides.

Gadeikytė counters that her horses are well-fed, groomed, and accustomed to the work. “Would you like 200 people petting you daily with no treat in return?” she asked rhetorically. “Horses need to move—that’s why they exist.”

Lithuania’s State Food and Veterinary Service reports no complaints about the Smiltynė carriages. The final decision on permit renewals rests with Klaipėda’s city council.