I, as a resident of New Orleans, am deeply disturbed by the exploitation of animals for entertainment. Our beloved city is known for its vibrant culture, music, cuisine, and, sadly, for its mule and horse-drawn carriages.

Mules and horses in the tourism sector frequently suffer from overwork, heat stress, and exhaustion. Moreover, these carriages contribute to traffic congestion, making streets less safe for walkers and bikers. The International Coalition for Animal Welfare reports that horses and mules used for carriage rides can work up to nine hours a day, in temperatures from below freezing to exceeding 90 degrees.

New Orleans, a city that prides itself on compassion and community, cannot continue to endorse practices that cause such unnecessary distress to animals. Numerous cities worldwide have already banned these practices, including London, Toronto, Las Vegas and Paris.

Let's unite and push for the prohibition of mule and horse-drawn carriages in New Orleans, not only ensuring the welfare of these hard-working animals, but also improving the quality and safety of our city streets. Sign this petition today and help us fight for a more humane New Orleans.