Horse-Drawn Carriage Ban Passes Out Of Committee

ST. LOUIS, MO — A proposal to ban horses from St. Louis streets has passed the Streets, Traffic and Refuse committee and is set for a vote before the full Board of Aldermen, moving it one step closer to becoming law. Sponsored by Alderman Joe Vaccaro, the ordinance would make it unlawful "for any person to ride, walk or otherwise lead a horse or horses on, along or over the public streets, alleys and sidewalks within the City of St. Louis and the paths and trails, and any extensions thereof within the City of St. Louis.

Proponents say the ban is intended to protect the horses, which are often subjected to poor working conditions, including extreme heat and cold. Detractors say the bill upsets a romantic St. Louis tradition, is unfair to carriage companies and will hurt tourism in the city.

The bill carves out exceptions for mounted police and parades. No word on whether Saint Louis will be allowed to keep his mount.

Photo: The Apotheosis of St. Louis, a statue dedicated to Louis IX of France, the city's namesake. (J. Ryne Danielson/Patch)