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Horse drawn carriages line up at evening in downtown San Antonio.
San Antonio has launched a web based survey to realize public enter as Metropolis Council weighs a possible ban on horse-drawn carriages, a controversial fixture of downtown tourism.
The town’s Neighborhood Engagement Group developed the survey to collect public enter forward of the August assembly of the Transportation Advisory Board. Suggestions from the survey will present steering to the board because it considers making suggestions affecting the way forward for carriage operators.
Debate over the carriages reignited in public boards reminiscent of Fb and Reddit after the survey went dwell final week. It would stay on-line by means of Tuesday, Aug. 13.
Animal-rights advocates have raised considerations in regards to the remedy of carriage horses, that are stored in a warehouse close to I-37 and East Houston Road after they’re not at work. Animal advocates warn that use of the horses on metropolis streets is damaging to their hooves over time. Others have raised considerations in regards to the animals’ publicity to automotive exhaust and the potential that they may very well be concerned in catastrophic accidents.
A provision within the metropolis constitution additionally prohibits operators from utilizing the horses in temperatures over 95 levels. The animals additionally should stay stabled throughout high-traffic hours throughout Air High quality Well being Alert Days.
Even so, carriage firms have sought, unsuccessfully, to loosen the restrictions, arguing they are a burden to enterprise.
These in favor of eliminating horse-drawn carriages have raised the potential of changing them with electrical carriages and pedicabs. Nonetheless, carriage operators query the place the fleet of over 100 horses would go if the rides are banned fully and have warned that some animals would find yourself being put down.
Viagran has since distanced herself from an entire ban, citing the job loss amongst carriage drivers. Nonetheless, District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda has taken up the problem, calling for an unbiased veterinarian to examine the horses for well being points associated to car exhaust fumes after Espy claimed to search out none.
