09/03/2026
A city that is doing the right thing. City of Victoria - Local Government, when are we going to lose this exploitive and dangerous ‘tradition’.
San Antonio, Texas is taking a major step toward a future where horses are no longer used to pull tourist carriages through busy city streets.
The San Antonio City Council voted to phase out the horse-drawn carriage industry over the coming years, with the goal of ending carriage operations by 2030. The decision makes San Antonio the first city in Texas to approve a plan to move away from horse-drawn carriage rides.
For years, animal advocates have raised concerns about horses working in downtown traffic, dealing with hot weather, loud streets, vehicle fumes, and the pressure of pulling heavy carriages for entertainment. They argue that animals should not have to work in stressful conditions just for human amusement.
Supporters of the change say cities can create memorable experiences without relying on animals as transportation or attractions. They believe tourism and compassion can exist together.
Carriage operators have defended the industry, saying they care for their horses and that the tradition is part of San Antonio’s history. The phase-out plan gives businesses time to transition while creating a path toward ending the practice.
This decision reflects a growing conversation across the country about how we treat animals in entertainment. More communities are asking whether old traditions are still worth continuing when they involve animal suffering.
