Protest Against Horse-Drawn Carriage Regulations Turns Violent in Savannah

News Summary

A protest in downtown Savannah advocating for stricter regulations on horse-drawn carriages escalated when Council member Nick Palumbo was attacked. The demonstration aimed to lower the maximum allowed working temperature for horses after proposed changes raised concerns about animal welfare. Although the ordinance is considered one of the least strict in the nation, the protest highlights the ongoing debate between animal rights advocates and local carriage operators. Council members are expected to address the issue in upcoming meetings as the city gathers data on potential regulatory changes.

Savannah – A protest advocating for changes in the regulations surrounding horse-drawn carriages took a violent turn on Saturday afternoon when Savannah City Council member Nick Palumbo was attacked during the demonstration in downtown Savannah. The incident occurred at City Market as protestors gathered to express their concerns about the treatment of horses used in the carriage industry.

During the protest, a man threw a bucket from the carriage station onto Palumbo, which sparked outrage from the council member and other demonstrators present. The protest was ignited by a memo from the city manager suggesting a change to the maximum temperature horses are allowed to be exposed to while working in the city, which currently stands at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Palumbo has been advocating for a reduction in this temperature limit by 10 degrees to help ensure the welfare of the horses.

Palumbo characterized the actions of the individual who attacked him as “unacceptable,” emphasizing the importance of adhering to peaceful and respectful discourse. He stated that attacking elected officials who are exercising their First Amendment rights is detrimental to the discussion surrounding animal welfare.

Alongside Palumbo, about a dozen protestors held signs emphasizing the need to lower operational temperatures for horse-drawn carriages, as concerns rise regarding the safety and health of the horses. This protest was part of broader efforts by local advocacy group Ban Horse Carriages Savannah, which regularly calls for action to influence policymakers on this issue.

Savannah’s current ordinance ranks as one of the most lenient in the nation concerning the operational temperatures for horse-drawn carriages. Critics of the status quo argue that the high temperatures could pose safety risks to the horses. In contrast, local carriage operators contend that such claims are unfounded and emphasize their compliance with existing guidelines, noting only three horse-related accidents since 2015, all of which were unrelated to heat.

Debate over horse-drawn carriage regulations is ongoing among city council members, with discussions including proposals for a complete ban on horse-drawn carriages. Should such a ban be considered, a transition plan for affected businesses would be necessary. Despite some council members advocating for a ban, there remains a divided opinion on how to balance animal rights with the interests of the tourism-related jobs provided by the carriage industry, which employs around 30 people in Savannah.

In the wake of the protest incident, the revisions to the regulations regarding horse-drawn carriages will be highlighted on the City Council’s agenda next Thursday. City Manager Jay Melder indicated that the city will be gathering data to provide insights into the implications of various regulatory options. A comprehensive report evaluating the current situation is expected within 60 days, potentially leading to new ordinances aimed at protecting animal welfare.

Past updates to the horse-drawn carriage ordinance in Savannah were made in 2017, corresponding with a reduction in the maximum working temperature for horses from 98 degrees to 95 degrees. As the situation evolves, city officials are prepared to engage in a collaborative approach by forming a task force. This task force will encompass both advocates for a ban on horse-drawn carriages and representatives from the local tourism industry to facilitate discussions focused on viable regulations for the carriage trade.

The upcoming report from the city manager is due by mid-June and could prompt a City Council vote regarding proposed changes by mid-summer. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring the welfare of horses employed in the carriage industry while considering the implications for local businesses and tourism.

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Additional Resources

• WTOC: Water Thrown at Savannah Alderman During Horse Carriage Protest
• Savannah Now: Advocacy Leads Savannah to Consider Future of Horse Tours
• WTOC: No Kings Day Protesters Gather in Savannah
• Wikipedia: Horse-drawn Carriage
• AJC: Charming or Nuisances, Savannah Gets Tough on Tour Operators