Animal Rights activists are using outright lies and false accusations in an attempt to shut down the Saint Louis Carriage industry and remove carriage horses from our streets. By bullying and pressurizing City Hall officials, they are using lies and misinformation to take a Saint Louis tradition away from our City.
The horses that work in the carriage industry in St Louis are large breed draft horses and are working horses. The average carriage horse weighs from 1800 to 2200 pounds. This type of horse can pull 2 to 3 times it’s body weight. The carriage can weigh up to 1,000 pounds, add a few people, and the horse can easily pull a carriage. It is the equivalent of an average person pushing a shopping cart with a few gallons of milk in it.
Groups like PETA and St Louis Animal Rights Team (START) spread lies such as “…horses do not have the strongest backs or legs. They often suffer from spinal injuries and broken ankles, from dragging such heavy weight all day.” This is not true and a direct contradiction to the SPCA, who state that: “Draft horses were developed to carry heavy loads, pull plows and wagons and perform other farm work. Their height and strength made these horses a source of “horsepower” for farming and transportation. Draft horse breeds include the Clydesdale, Belgian, Percheron and Shire.” The Difference Between Draft and Light Horses
Animal rights groups falsely claim that horses work in 100 degree heat, shouldn’t walk on streets and suffer open wounds from their harness. The truth is that professional farriers mount protective horse shoes that reduce the risk of injury to our horses and St Louis City regulations already restrict carriage companies from operating in excessive temperatures or high traffic areas. Working in harness is not cruel or abusive. The harness is a tool that helps the horse do his job, easily and comfortably. The Truth About Carriage Horses
These horses are work partners, carriage drivers and owners love and care for their horses. Without a job their future would be uncertain. If anything, because they get good steady work and lots of hands-on care, carriage horses live longer than other horses. Carriage horse’s health and accommodations are inspected annually by the City of St Louis Health Department and all have been given a clean bill of health.
There is a big difference between “Animal Rights” groups such as START and PETA and “Animal Welfare” groups. According to PETA themselves, “Animal rights means that animals are not ours to use for food, clothing, entertainment, or experimentation.” Animal welfare believe that these uses are natural so as long as humane guidelines are followed. Our carriage drivers strongly believe in their animals absolute welfare.
According to reports, PETA has killed 36,000 animals since 1998 – PETA Kills
Please sign this petition and tell Acting Health Director Melba Moore and Mayor Lyda Krewson to prevent Saint Louis Carriage horses from the possibility of being added to that number. Stop the Animal Rights Lies and save the carriage horses.
