This morning on The Agenda we discussed an issue that has sparked growing debate across Ireland and internationally — the future of horse-drawn carriages in our cities.
For some people, they’re seen as part of the character and tradition of city life, often linked to tourism and heritage. But for animal welfare organisations, serious questions are now being raised about whether horses should still be expected to work in busy urban environments, surrounded by traffic, noise, congestion, and increasingly extreme temperatures.
The NSPCA is now calling for a ban on horse-drawn carriages being used in Irish cities, arguing that the practice is outdated and that the welfare risks to animals are too great. Supporters of a ban point to concerns around stress, exhaustion, road safety, and the overall wellbeing of horses operating in modern city conditions. Meanwhile, others believe stricter regulation — rather than an outright ban — may be the answer.
We were joined on the show by Conor Dowling from the NSPCA to find out more about why they are calling for this ban.