rockin'robin
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- For many people they are part of the history and charm of the nation's oldest city.
And that's especially true for carriage driver John Capp.
"For me it's a great plus for the city of St. Augustine, for the residents, anyone who comes and visits to take a carriage ride," said Capp.
But members of the Animal Right's Foundation of Florida were protesting Sunday with the message that, especially in the upcoming summer months, carriages are animal abuse.
"While some people say this is a tradition, there are lots of traditions we now look back on and realize they were mistakes, we hope carriage horses become just one of those sad traditions we move beyond," says Bryan Wilson with ARFF.
Members of ARFF say not only is the heat hard on the horses, they also walk right behind cars in traffic breathing in the exhaust fumes.
They also point to traffic accidents like one in December 2008 as more proof of the dangers the horses face.
ARFF says it wants it stopped completely but if not it is asking the city to at least make some changes.
"Limit the number of hours, limit the temperatures they can operate in, limit the days they can work, something needs to be in place in law to make sure these horses are protected," said Wilson.
"My horses I use love their job in my opinion, when I show up I use Misty, Charlie and Prince and all three are at the gate waiting for me to open their gate," said Capp.
And John Capp says as it is now if it's too hot he doesn't take the horses out. He says pulling carriages is something the horses enjoy.
The owner of the Country Carriage House Carriage Tour Company says her horses receive regular vet check ups and are in good health.
She says the industry is doing a lot to regulate itself and new city ordinances would be unnecessary.
Animal Rights Foundation Of Florida Calls Horse Carriage Tradition Animal Abuse | Firstcoastnews.com | Local News
And that's especially true for carriage driver John Capp.
"For me it's a great plus for the city of St. Augustine, for the residents, anyone who comes and visits to take a carriage ride," said Capp.
But members of the Animal Right's Foundation of Florida were protesting Sunday with the message that, especially in the upcoming summer months, carriages are animal abuse.
"While some people say this is a tradition, there are lots of traditions we now look back on and realize they were mistakes, we hope carriage horses become just one of those sad traditions we move beyond," says Bryan Wilson with ARFF.
Members of ARFF say not only is the heat hard on the horses, they also walk right behind cars in traffic breathing in the exhaust fumes.
They also point to traffic accidents like one in December 2008 as more proof of the dangers the horses face.
ARFF says it wants it stopped completely but if not it is asking the city to at least make some changes.
"Limit the number of hours, limit the temperatures they can operate in, limit the days they can work, something needs to be in place in law to make sure these horses are protected," said Wilson.
"My horses I use love their job in my opinion, when I show up I use Misty, Charlie and Prince and all three are at the gate waiting for me to open their gate," said Capp.
And John Capp says as it is now if it's too hot he doesn't take the horses out. He says pulling carriages is something the horses enjoy.
The owner of the Country Carriage House Carriage Tour Company says her horses receive regular vet check ups and are in good health.
She says the industry is doing a lot to regulate itself and new city ordinances would be unnecessary.
Animal Rights Foundation Of Florida Calls Horse Carriage Tradition Animal Abuse | Firstcoastnews.com | Local News