State Bill Would Rein In Proposed Saint Louis Horse Ban

ST. LOUIS, MO — In response to a proposed citywide ban on horses on public streets, which passed out of committee in January and was set for a vote before the full Board of Aldermen, state lawmakers have introduced their own legislation to allow Missouri cities to regulate horses and horse-drawn carriages, but not ban them entirely.

Sponsored by Alderman Joe Vaccaro, the local ordinance would have made it unlawful to ride, walk or lead a horse along public streets or trails in within the city limits. Proponents said the ban was intended to protect the horses, which are often subjected to poor working conditions, including extreme heat and cold. Detractors said the bill would upset a romantic St. Louis tradition, is unfair to carriage companies and would hurt tourism in the city.

The state bill, which won preliminary approval Tuesday, still needs a vote before the full Senate before moving to the General Assembly's lower chamber for consideration.

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