This comes after a city council proposal over the summer that would eliminate the horse-drawn carriage practice in various phases
SAN ANTONIO — A group of business owners who operate horse-drawn carriages in the downtown area held a press conference Monday to urge the city council to allow the practice to continue.
This comes after a city council proposal over the summer that would eliminate the horse-drawn carriage practice in various phases. The proposal was made public after the results of a survey showed the majority of San Antonians want the businesses to go away and not return.
Back in August, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – which is chaired by District 9 City Councilman John Courage – unanimously voted for San Antonio city staff to develop a plan to phase out the carriages over a period of one to three years. The proposal advanced to the full council, which is set to vote on it next week.
Monday, the companies that run the horse-drawn carriages defended the practice, saying it is part of San Antonio’s history and educates visitors on San Antonio’s downtown traditions.
In a statement to the media, the companies said in part:
“City Council is scheduled to vote on shutting down the horse carriage industry this Thursday December 19th during our holiday season.
We have 5 horse carriage companies all women, minority, and LGBTQ owned in San Antonio. They employ close to 300 people with many, many horses that work with their owners to make great memories for visitors and residents alike in downtown.
These horse carriages have been operating since the 1800’s and some of the current owners have had their businesses for decades.
Right now, the carriage drivers make a living with their buddy horse. They entertain our tourists and continue to keep our stories of the Old Spanish Trail and Camino Real alive. ”
Council members Phyllis Viagran and Jalen McKee-Rodriguez initially submitted the request for a plan to do away with the long-running downtown attraction in late 2022, citing animal cruelty and harm to the environment.
“With changes 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 can enjoy,” McKee-Rodriguez said in the August meeting.