What next for Montreal calèche drivers and their horses?

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre's moratorium on horse-drawn calèches doesn't go far enough for animal rights advocates, and goes too far for their drivers. Montrealers and tourists also expressed mixed feelings about the move.

The mayor has not banned the horse-drawn carriages outright, but only for a year while his administration studies the issue.

The moratorium begins next Tuesday.

"There's a difference between saying no more, and there's a moratorium," Coderre said. "First or foremost, there's two priorities, to make sure there's safety — safety for the people, safety for the horses and if they are living in bad conditions, if we feel they should do better in a better way."

He added that the horses are iconic for Montreal and should be cared for properly as a result.

 What will happen to the calèche drivers?

Drivers worry about being able to pay their bills and pay to take care of their horses without the revenue they generate.

Many drivers will not have other work to fall back on when the ban takes effect and worry about finding work.

André St-Amand has been a calèche driver since the age of 15 and says it would cost $400 per month to keep the horse in the country. He doesn't know how he will do it with no income.

Moise Cohen said around this time of year most drivers are crossing their fingers and hoping for a profitable summer off the tourists in Old Montreal.

"I'm really shocked that they would do this to us and the employees," Cohen said. "Especially for the owners, like myself, I've spent $71,000 for the permit."

Cohen said the city is reimbursing them $670.

"Which is chump change compared to how much money we've invested."

Horses offered refuge   

The Anti-calèche defense coalition has been very active online in promoting an outright ban on the industry.

• After another calèche accident, activists renew call to ban them​​
• Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre calls for report on health of caleche horses

Coalition spokeswoman Mirella Colalillo says they are working with the horse refuge Galahad to ensure the 56 calèche horses are looked after.

"We're eager to get them out of their hands. They are threatening to send them to slaughter — you can tell [calèches drivers] don't really care," Colalillo said.

"They say 'poor horses, poor us,' but they should become responsible citizens and get a regular job."

Tourists and social media react

Tourists interviewed by CBC Montreal offered varying perspectives.

They like the charm of the calèches, but worry about the horses' welfare. 

Tourists in the Old Port react to Montreal's calèche announcement.

9 years ago

Duration 1:11

CBC spoke with tourists from the U.S. and Spain.

The moratorium was also a hot topic on CBC Montreal's Facebook page.

Opinions on Twitter were also mixed.