The charm and history of Saint Augustine, FL, has always been a source of pride for residents like me. However, as traffic in our town has increased exponentially, especially during events like the Nights of Lights, it has become clear that some of our traditional tourist attractions, such as horse and buggy/carriage rides, need reevaluation.

In recent years, we have experienced the influx of traffic. The already intense congestion is exacerbated by the horse and carriage rides. Beyond the apparent traffic issues, this antiquated mode of transport raises significant concerns about animal welfare. It is unnatural for a horse to navigate in a sea of traffic e.g on San Marco Ave. Horses are made to work (long hours?), often in the heat and humidity that defines much of Saint Augustine's climate.

While protecting our town's rich heritage is essential, it should not come at the expense of our town's well-being or the inhumane treatment of animals. There are more modern, humane, and efficient ways to offer tourists a glimpse of our city's beauty and history—such as guided walking tours, bike tours, trolleys, golf cart tours, etc. which could enrich the tourist experience without burdening the local infrastructure.

Restricting or banning horse and carriage rides would reflect our community's commitment to both innovation and ethics. It is vital that we prioritize solutions that are harmonious with both our environment and the creatures that inhabit it.

By signing this petition, you can possibly help ensure that Saint Augustine remains a considerate and forward-thinking community, one that respects its residents, visitors, and animals alike. Join me in advocating for a better future for our historic town by signing this petition.

What else can you do? 

• Support groups and organizations working to modify the environment for horse-drawn carriage businesses. Follow them on social media for calls to action—sign & share petitions. Here is an example of one: http://oneposter.org/ 
  • Check out a similar petition that received over 2,000 signatures.
• Email & call St. Augustine's Mayor and Commissioners. https://www.citystaug.com/582/City-Commission
• Attend St. Augustine's Commission meetings to speak up for horses. https://www.citystaug.com/609/Agendas-Minutes
• Be familiar with the laws and ordinances governing the horse-drawn carriage industry https://library.municode.com/fl/st._augustine/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH27VEHI_ARTVTRANAWVEPUTO_DIV2GEOPANAWVE_S27-140ANSA
  • Question for the community: Which entity informs the terms for section Sec. 27-144. - Care of animals and Sec. 27-146. - Sheltering of animals within city limits? How are these terms enforced? 
• Let's educate each other on "how it works". There are multiple horse and buggy/carriage companies that are all privately owned, however, it appears that they require permits from the city...something positive CAN be done...hopefully for the horses AND the companies involved in this industry.

*note that the graphic in this petition is fictional but attempts to reflect a situation that is similar in St. Augustine.