A new petition circulating among Saint Augustine residents is calling for the city to reevaluate its horse-drawn carriage industry, citing concerns over traffic congestion and animal welfare.
The petition — which has drawn 381 signatures since its launch last month — coincides with a growing presence of critics speaking out against the practice at St. Augustine City Commission meetings.
The petition, authored by a local resident, urges city officials and community members to consider “modern, humane, and efficient” alternatives that could “enrich the tourist experience without burdening the local infrastructure.”
The petition highlights what it casts as a growing strain on city streets during popular events like Nights of Lights, noting that “as traffic in our town has increased exponentially,” horse and carriage rides “exacerbate” the congestion.
San Marco Avenue is mentioned as a particularly problematic area, with the critique asserting that it is “unnatural for a horse to navigate in a sea of traffic.”
Animal welfare is another central focus. The petition describes carriage rides as “an antiquated mode of transport” and expresses concern about horses working “long hours, often in the heat and humidity that defines much of Saint Augustine’s climate.”
ST. AUGUSTINE CAROUSEL PLAN IS DEAD
But a veteran Old City carriage driver told The Citizen that the criticism is misplaced — and that the horses are well taken care of despite negative public perceptions.
“Horses have been on these streets long before these people got here,” he said. “The carriages are part of what gives St. Augustine its charm. Is there room for some changes? Maybe. But they’re going to far on this. How about less cars more horses?”
While the petition acknowledges the value of preserving the city’s heritage, it argues that “it should not come at the expense of our town’s well-being or the inhumane treatment of animals.”
The petition suggests alternatives such as “guided walking tours, bike tours, trolleys, golf cart tours” as preferable ways to showcase St. Augustine’s singular profile.
