National

Victoria City Council Hears Debate Over Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours

The Canadian Press, 25 Mar, 2016 12:47 PM

VICTORIA — Debate over horse-drawn carriage rides in downtown Victoria, B.C., is heating up.

The owner of Victoria Carriage Tours appeared at a city council meeting on Thursday to defend the industry after an animal rights group started an online petition looking to ban the rides.

Katarina Gallagher says she has was blindsided by the petition, which alleges there has been poor maintenance of equipment, reckless driving of the carriages and improper care of the horses.

Gallagher says the "unfounded" and "vague" accusations about inadequate care and reckless driving are baseless and constitute fear mongering.

More than 900 people have signed the petition, and several speakers aligned with animal rights group "Victoria Horse Alliance" addressed council Thursday, saying they support the ban.

There are currently two carriage companies in the city, Tally Ho Carriage Tours and Victoria Carriage Tours, that have a total of 52 horses and employ roughly 70 people.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Jury Trial Begins For Alberta Couple Charged After Child Dies Of Meningitis

David Stephan, 32, and his wife Collet Stephan, 35, have pleaded not guilty to failing to provide the necessities of life for 19-month-old Ezekiel, who died in March 2012.

Jury Trial Begins For Alberta Couple Charged After Child Dies Of Meningitis

Study Says Canada Is Falling Behind In Renewable Energy Investment

Merran Smith of Clean Energy Canada suggests government-set targets and goals for wind and solar power in regional energy grids is the best way to spur that investment and keep Canada in the game.

Study Says Canada Is Falling Behind In Renewable Energy Investment

Gaelic Language Not Dead, Just 'Sleeping,' Says Nova Scotia Government Official

A Nova Scotia government official says the traditional Scottish language isn't dead — it's just sleeping.

Gaelic Language Not Dead, Just 'Sleeping,' Says Nova Scotia Government Official

Stephane Dion urged to challenge countries with poor rights records on UN panel

Dion is in Geneva on Monday as the council convenes to mark its 10th anniversary, a milestone that some critics say is shrouded in ignominy.

Stephane Dion urged to challenge countries with poor rights records on UN panel

Canada In 2050: Land Of Climate-Change Extremes At Current Emissions Levels

By 2050 — within the life expectancy of most Canadians — scientists say that if current emissions levels remain unchanged, climate change will be well established.

Canada In 2050: Land Of Climate-Change Extremes At Current Emissions Levels

Jury Trial Begins For Alberta Couple Charged After Child Dies Of Meningitis

David Stephan, 32, and his wife Collet Stephan, 35, have pleaded not guilty to failing to provide the necessities of life for 19-month-old Ezekiel, who died in March 2012.