MUMBAI: The horse-drawn carriages used in the tourist trade along the beaches of Mumbai in India are to be phased out under a High Court ruling.
The High Court in Bombay has directed local authorities to wrap up the trade within a year.
The court, which found the trade was illegal, imposed the ban after being petitioned by the Animals and Birds Charitable Trust, which asserted the horses were overworked.
“We hold that the use of horse-driven carriages/victorias in the city of Mumbai for joyrides is completely illegal,” the court said in its ruling.
“The authorities of the state shall ensure that [their] use in the city of Mumbai shall be completely stopped on the expiry of a period of one year from today.”
The court directed authorities to seek alternative work options for those employed in the trade, and to assist in finding suitable futures for the horses.
All stables connected with the trade must be closed in a year.
