Horses pulling cars with tourists on the way to the Sea Eye will not vanish – despite erstwhile announcements of changes. Following the decision of the climate resort, pro-animal organizations talk about a "success of social trust", break cooperation with the Ministry and the TNP, and the solution is described as apparent.
Many years of dispute over horse transport in the Tatra Mountains
Horse transport to Sea Eye For years, it's caused controversy. Thousands of tourists usage horse rides led by fiakrists from Białczańska Palenica towards the lake shelter. However, by animal organisationsThis transport model is based on animal operationwhich, they say, work under overload and heat conditions.
Specific actions have been carried out in this field for years Viv's global Animal Movement!, which cyclically papers the cases of horse fatigue and besides transmits reports and animal wellness analyses. From their observations and opinions of veterinary experts, horses frequently work beyond their strength, especially in the summertime erstwhile the way survives the siege.
The Ministry announced changes. Now activists feel cheated
In 2024, the Ministry of Climate and Environment signaled the desire to the elimination of horse transport on the way to the Sea Eye, which was received positively by animal communities. However, in February 2025 the ministry signed letter of intent with representatives of Tatra National Park (TPN), local self-government and fiakers, which, according to activists, perpetuates the current model for many years.
"Resort and CPN have deceived not only us, but the full society" – reads Viva's statement. Organisation announced termination of cooperation with the Ministry and the PPN, accusing both institutions of behind the back of the social side and marginalising civilian voice.
In the published position, activists indicate that the fresh agreement provides for operation of buses only from April to October, while the road will proceed to be utilized in winter only by horse transport. ‘Winter conditions are besides hard for buses, but not for horses?“The rhetorical questions Viva’s representatives question the logic and ethics of this solution.
Social page arguments: ignoring technological data and reports
Organisation besides draws attention to low representation of independent experts in committees to measure the operation of horse transport. According to their information, 3 of the 4 members of the committee are those who favour the maintenance of fascia, of which 2 represent the PPN itself. According to Viva, the conclusions of the veterinary examination are ignored, which, on the basis of medical records and analyses, indicated the deteriorating wellness of any horses.
In the opinion of activists, it proves that economic interest and local lobby have a decisive impact on the state's policy towards this controversial mode of transport.
Resort responds: we shorten the way of horses
In consequence to criticism, Ministry of Climate and Environment guarantee that the historical agreementto be a compromise between the various stakeholders. According to the ministry spokesman, Marek PogorzelskiThe key change is limitation of the journey of horses to 2,5 km, i.e. only to the most flat section between Białczańska and Mickiewicz Water.
‘This First time in historywhen a formal agreement was reached between all the parties involved", emphasised Pogorzelski.
Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska She said on Radio Zet that the compromise should satisfy everyone, due to the fact that it provides for a simplification in horse effort. ‘The façade way has been shortened“ She noted.
Viva: “This is not what we fought for”
Viva replied to these declarations: "We did not fight to shorten the route, we fought to destruct it completely" – the organisation passed on. According to her, the Ministry does not implement the provisions of the coalition agreement, which promised a real strengthening of the voice of social organisations in shaping state policies. alternatively – as they say – comes to pretend dialoguewhich strengthens the position quo.
Political context and local circumstances
The problem of horse transport to the Sea Eye has been not only for years ethical dimensionbut besides political and economic. For many people of Podhale there are fascia maintenance source, and the subject evokes immense emotions in local communities. Further governments avoided extremist decisions due to the fact that the issue besides affected a delicate balance between nature protection, animal rights and tourism interests.
The current decision of the ministry falls within the effort to reconcile these contradictions, but according to social organisations – this is the case at the expense of animal rights and fair decision-making.
What's next?
At this point, there is no indication that the agreement is to be withdrawn. Horse transport, although limited, will proceed to function – at least in winter and on part of the route. Viva announces the continuation of the ombudsman and protest activities, while the CPN and the ministry declare the implementation of the findings.
In the face of acute conflict and emotional accusations, it seems that the subject of horses on the way to the Sea Eye will stay an inflame in the public debate, and the future of this mode of transport will be closely followed by both public and media.
Read more:
Horses on the way to the Sea Eye stay. Activists break off their cooperation with the Ministry
