San Antonio gets closer to banning horse-drawn carriages downtown
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A horse-drawn carriage downtown in 2022. Photo: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
A proposal to ban horse-drawn carriages in downtown San Antonio, a longtime tourist attraction, is dividing residents.
Why it matters: Supporters of a ban say horse-drawn carriages are outdated and inhumane, particularly in an increasingly hot city.
- But carriage operators say the horses have access to pastures and are well cared for, and that banning them puts the animals and their livelihoods at risk.
Catch up quick: District 2 Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran filed a proposal in November 2022 to ban horse-drawn carriage rides and transition to electric carriages and pedicabs.
- There was immediate backlash from carriage companies.
- The city has also mulled whether to move horse-drawn carriage operations to parks instead of downtown streets.
The latest: Four of the five carriage company operators told the San Antonio Police Department they are open to using electric carriages if the city offers financial support to help obtain them.
- They have asked for about five years to transition the industry.
What they're saying: "I know that with change comes great challenges, but we also have a great opportunity to facilitate something new, special and memorable in our city that both relieves traffic congestion and creates a special experience that everyone, both local families and tourists, can enjoy," McKee-Rodriguez said Monday.
State of play: A city survey that closed last week received more than 50,000 responses.
- About 52% of respondents supported a ban and transition, while 48% said the city should continue with horse-drawn carriages downtown or make changes to hours and locations.
Context: The city has issued permits for horse-drawn carriages since 1865.
- Five companies in the city are permitted for 25 horse-drawn carriages total.
- The carriages are not allowed to operate if the temperature is 95 degrees or higher.
Zoom out: Horse-drawn carriages operate in other cities from Austin and Dallas to Indianapolis and New York City. Dallas is also considering a ban.
- In 2020, Chicago became the largest U.S. city to ban horse-drawn carriages. They are also banned in Salt Lake City.
- Philadelphia is also considering taking its carriages electric.
What's next: City staff will develop one-, two- and three-year plans to phase out horse-drawn carriages to provide options to councilmembers, after the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee gave the go-ahead Monday.
- The full City Council will be briefed on the options this fall.
Tell us: Do you think the city should continue to allow horse-drawn carriages downtown? Why or why not?
- Email [email protected], and we may share your thoughts in an upcoming newsletter.