The issue of horse-drawn carriages at Morskie Oko has resurfaced once again. Animal welfare organisations have long campaigned to ban this practice, but their efforts have yet to yield results. This year, the issue gained widespread attention following another tragic incident. Footage emerged online showing a horse collapsing from exhaustion while pulling a carriage of tourists. The driver, showing no compassion, began beating the horse in a futile attempt to force it to continue working.

In response to the public outcry and extensive media coverage, the government could no longer remain passive. Authorities have initiated trials of an electric bus to replace the horse-drawn carriages used to transport tourists to Morskie Oko. The trials have been largely successful, though one minor concern has been noted: the bus operates so quietly that it might pose a hazard to walkers sharing the route.

Despite the promising results, the electric bus has not yet been deployed for public use. Consequently, horses are still being used to transport tourists to Morskie Oko. Public sentiment on this issue was made clear in a TikTok video that recently went viral.

Tourists walking along the route to Morskie Oko Lake recently expressed their disdain for those opting for horse-drawn carriage rides. In an ironic display, they applauded as the carriages passed by. The primary concern isn't the use of horses per se but the extreme conditions these animals endure: working long hours in severe heat, carrying loads beyond their capacity, and suffering mistreatment from their drivers.

Despite growing awareness of animal abuse, fuelled by shocking videos from Morskie Oko, the response from the public remains divided. Comments on the viral video of the mocking incident reveal a range of opinions, many unsympathetic to the plight of the horses. Remarks such as, "These are not lazy people; they are using a service provided," and, "Horses have always been draught animals," highlight a troubling indifference. One comment read, "When horses worked all day in the field in the heat, did people applaud that too?"

However, there are supportive voices amid the negativity. The video's author expressed disappointment at the callous responses, adding, "I wish those who use this transport a massive bout of diarrhoea at an important meeting or on public transport." Another supporter questioned, "Why go to the mountains to ride instead of walking?"