Carriage Horses in Melbourne

RSPCA Victoria is concerned for the welfare of carriage horses in Melbourne.

There is no accountability and in fact there are no set minimum standards that address the welfare of the horses or safety operations for carriage horses.

A recent RSPCA Animal Rescue episode on Channel 7 featured RSPCA Victoria Inspectors attending complaints involving carriage horses in Melbourne. Inspectors attended these complaints and issued a warning for the alleged unsuitable handling of one of the horses.

In response to public concern for Melbourne's Carriage Horses, Melbourne City Council has now agreed to meet with the RSPCA to work towards better animal welfare outcomes for these horses. An initial meeting has taken place and the RSPCA hopes that the Melbourne City Council will continue to work cooperatively with the RSPCA in the coming months. We encourage you to show your support and ask that the Melbourne City council establish a set of Minimum Standards for Carriage Horses in Melbourne.

To assist the RSPCA, please refer to 'How you can Help' section on the right hand side.

Welfare issues for the horses
RSPCA Victoria is concerned with the length of hours worked by the carriage horses and allocated rest periods. The issue of water is of concern during humid and high temperature days and when horses are worked in extreme weather conditions.

The need to have the horses appropriately shod is important. There must be adequate hoof care and appropriate shoes especially for working on hot asphalt. Horses should never be allowed to work without all four shoes.

The RSPCA believes that before a horse is permitted to work, the operator should be required to have the horses examined by an equine veterinarian for health and fitness. All working horses should then be regularly checked by a veterinarian for fitness to work.

Appropriate tack and gear is required as any wear and tear on straps or when dirt accumulates on tack, it may result in sores on the horse due to irritation.

Safety measures and operations
Appropriate safety measures regarding how carriages are driven and who drives them is required. Carriages should be subject to road worthy or vehicle safety requirements and all horses used in the service need to be identified.

RSPCA Victoria is concerned that there are no training requirements and skills testing for drivers. Drivers do not require a driver’s licence and there is no age requirements for drivers.

Permits
The Melbourne City Council issues permits for the carriage horses. They must display number plates and carry manure bags. The council allocates an area of operation and designates parking areas for the carriage horses. Proprietors must also have a Public Risk Insurance cover for $10M.

Complaints to the RSPCA
RSPCA Victoria has received 28 complaints against carriage horses in the Melbourne city precinct since September 2005.

Many of the complaints came as a result of horses being worked on hot days; working injured horses and horses being worked without adequate shoes. RSPCA Inspectors have investigated these complaints and have issued warnings and where appropriate a Notice to Comply to ensure the welfare of the horse is being managed.

Challenges for RSPCA Inspectors
Some of the challenges that RSPCA Victoria faces are to identify the carriage service and driver when a complaint is received. In some cases, complaints are received days after the incident. The witness may often be a tourist who is not readily available for statements or a court appearance.

One of the major challenges for RSPCA Inspectors is to conduct regular routine inspections of carriage horses, which is difficult given that there are no minimum standards for the welfare of the horses.

RSPCA Victoria would be pleased to work with the Melbourne City Council to establish appropriate permit conditions and welfare standards.

RSPCA Inspectors will continue to collect data, investigate complaints, educate the community and raise public awareness of the need for this industry to become accountable and regulated.

Please refer to 'How you can Help' section on the right hand side

To learn more about the RSPCA Inspectorate, click here