Horse and carriage operators have been a part of Melbourne’s streetscape for some years now. Animal Liberation is concerned about the welfare of horses whose role is to ferry people (many of them tourists) around the city. It is distressing that people choose to enjoy the city this way rather than on the City Circle tram which offers a free service.
Many people will have seen these horses while in the city. Some appear underfed while others are obviously well cared for. Undoubtedly all of them look bored, preferring the freedom of a large paddock with no carriage to lug around.
In May 1992 two draught horses died following an accident on Victoria Parade, highlighting the incongruity of horses working in cities and competing with a variety of other road users. The horses were carted off in a knackery van to be degraded in death as they had in life. An excellent article on this appeared in The Age newspaper on June 1 1992 aptly titled “Why horses and traffic do not mix”.
Cobb & Co has been approached in regards to the horses’ “fate” once they are no longer of any service. Apparently there has been no cause to “retire” a horse as they are still young enough for several more years work. They also advised that the horses are:
It is still a concern as to the horses’ destiny once their working life has come to an end.
Of course, this is only the response from one operator and the conduct of the other eight operators needs to be evaluated.
In future the street trading sites for horse drawn carriages will be advertised in the newspaper inviting tenders. This effectively means that only one operator will be legally permitted to operate horse and carriages in the city. However, due to internal difficulties at City of Melbourne, little progress has been made in regards to the tendering of trading sites for carriages.
In the meantime we have been talking with operators and trying to build a co-operative relationship. Some operators feel that the tendering system may never be introduced or, if it is, they will defy it and still operate without a tender.
When the process eventually begins the following will be taken in to consideration:
Any submissions or suggestions can be forwarded to:
| City of Melbourne |
| GPO Box 488G |
| Melbourne 3001 VIC |
| AUSTRALIA |
61 3 9658 9764 (ph)
61 3 9658 9912 (fax)
The successful tender will be required to observe safety and health standards agreed upon by the City of Melbourne and other referral services such as the RSPCA. It is Animal Liberation’s role to be actively involved in the selection of a tender, to discuss the issue with current operators and to, hopefully, assist in the re-housing of horses no longer required once the tender is made effective. Although the tendering should, in effect, ensure that the best operator is appointed, it is of concern that some operators may send their "unwanted" horses to the knackery. If anybody can assist in the re-housing of horses, or knows of any organisations or suitable homes, please contact the office.
It would be unrealistic to expect that these operations can be abolished altogether. However, it is important that they are monitored and that the required standards are maintained.
Animal Liberation will be advised by City of Melbourne of all developments in regards to the tendering process and other relevant matters. It is important that continual contact be made with the City of Melbourne, the operators and the RSPCA when necessary. A public campaign (ie demonstrations at trading sites) is not anticipated at this stage.
If you have any suggestions for this campaign, or require any further information, please contact Animal Liberation (VIC) on 61 3 9419 5188
Last updated 10 August 1997
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