Horses in St. Augustine finally catch a break
April 12th, 2011 by admin
On Monday, the St. Augustine City Commission adopted a new horse-drawn carriage ordinance. Among the many changes in the new ordinance are important protections for horses:
- Water must be provided to horses immediately after each tour, and horses must have 15 minutes rest between tours.
- Horses must be pulled off the streets if the temperature reaches 95 degrees Fahrenheit or the Heat Index reaches 105.
- Horses are not allowed on the streets during the evening rush hour (between 4:30-6:00pm, Monday-Friday).
- The city now has the power to determine carriage horse routes and loading/unloading areas.
- The new ordinance also regulates the condition of stables within city limits.
These are basic protections that ARFF has been demanding for many years. Since the draft ordinance was first proposed early last year, ARFF’s Communications Director has testified in front of the city commission four times in support of the ordinance and to request stronger regulations.
The ordinance takes effect June 1. ARFF will work to make sure the ordinance is strictly enforced.
The new ordinance will make a real difference for horses in St. Augustine. Please send a note of thanks to the City of St. Augustine City Commission for adopting this ordinance.
Mayor Joseph Boles and Commissioners
City of St. Augustine
E-mail: cosa@citystaug.com