Assignment 1 - Carriage & Car Issue

My take on whether the controversy involving horses is not clear cut. I believe that there should be some type of compromise. While the carriage industry may not bring very large profits on its own, I believe they're still vital to the tourism in cities. It goes without saying that there are also issues involving the safety of the people and horses involved in the carriage industry. I would propose that activity involving the use of horses be confined to mostly park type settings. Keep in mind these animals have been utilized by police forces in cities all over the world. The horses are to be taken care properly or the owner shouldn't be allowed to care for one at all. If the animal is found to be poor condition or not taken care of properly, heavy fines should be levied immediately.

I've taken into account that PETA really does want to protect animals, but they are extremely biased when it comes to issues such as this. They are not looking at it from the economic side of people, who drive carriages to earn a living. I find it imperative that there be logical thought, when it comes to a "tricky" matter such as this, instead of immediately taking the position of an organization on either side of the issue.

I scoured around on Google and typed in "Horse-Carriage Industry" purposely to find a mix of news and commentary about the subject in different cities. I came across an article from the local Memphis, Tennessee negotiation website wmctv.com You get both points of view in this article addressing the good upkeep assurances of the carriage operators, and the concern of the treatment of these horses. One particular portion of the article struck me, as an argument to counter those who believe this industry are in its "dying days". In the article it is stated that the "horse-drawn carriage industry is thriving in downtown Memphis". Also noted, is the city of Memphis saying that the few complaints that have been filed were from tourists who then left town. Sounds more like city residents complaining about their inability to speed up and down the streets as they wish, which is becoming more of a trend in this increasingly fast paced society. It's not my opinion that all residents rationalize this way, but I wouldn't be reluctant to say that there are those that think this way.

Simply stated some who advocate a ban on these carriage, come off as if they're experts on animal welfare. Before drastic solutions are proposed look at involved human and horse. With many movies projecting horses to be the great animals that they are, I fail to believe that humans are so cold hearted to abuse these animals blatantly, and don't believe it. I'm sure there are operators that care for there horses as if they were part of there family, like the common family pets including cats or dogs. I really like animals and care about there well-being, but I can't ignore a good hearted person's need to make a living. There is a compromise here and hopefully each group will come out of their "corner" to meet in the middle.


Top Image provided courtesy of New York Led
Bottom Image provided courtesy of wwp.greenwichmeantime.com