Horse-drawn carriages to be banned from CBD

Animal activists are celebrating the banning of horse-drawn carriages in Melbourne’s CBD, but some fear the ban hasn’t gone far enough.

Horse drawn carriages will officially be banned on public roads in Melbourne’s busy inner city streets from next month.

Animal activists have dubbed the ban on horse-drawn carriages in Melbourne’s CBD the “forced demise” of the long-standing industry.

As revealed by the Herald Sun, the state government is powering ahead with its controversial plan to ban horses in the Hoddle Grid.

Melbourne Against Horse Drawn Carriage campaign director Kirsten Leigh said she was “absolutely thrilled” with the policy change.

Ms Leigh said it would represent the “forced demise” of the industry.

“This is something we have been calling for for almost a decade,” she said.

“The evidence of blatant animal cruelty, road safety breaches and human and horse safety issues were just too great to ignore, so when passing responsibility was no longer an option, real action finally prevailed.”

The tourist attraction has been a feature of the CBD for decades but has faced increasing calls for the practice to be banned. Picture: David Caird.

The streeets where horse-drawn carriages will be banned. Picture: Google Maps

Roads Minister Ben Carroll confirmed the changes following targeted consultation with key stakeholders and operators.

It will mean that updated road rules will prohibit horse drawn carriages from all roads and paths within the area bound by Flinders Street, Spring Street, La Trobe Street and Spencer Street.

“We’re taking action to increase safety and traffic flow on Melbourne’s busiest streets as people increasingly return to our city’s roads and footpaths,” Mr Carroll said.

“The planned changes will make moving through the busy Hoddle Grid safer and easier for everyone – pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, delivery vans and trams.”

The RSPCA have attended 48 cruelty reports regarding carriage horses over the past five years.

RSPCA Victoria’s Policy and Advocacy Manager, Mhairi Roberts said the ban is a step forward for the welfare of carriage horses.

“We are so pleased to see horse-drawn vehicles banned in the busy CBD area of Melbourne, a welcome and significant step forward for the welfare of carriage horses,” Ms Roberts said.

“The CBD poses multiple welfare risks for horses including cars, trams, excessive noise, crowds and oppressive heat in warmer months, all while working on hard ground.

“All these risks are compounded when the horses are not accustomed to working in the city. Even one day of working in the CBD can result in poor welfare outcomes for carriage horses.”

Ms Leigh said while the policy shift is a win, it was disappointing that the government hasn’t banned the practice entirely across the state.

“Future potential trade outside of the Hoddle Grid presents concerns but we are extremely hopeful that this will be the final step needed to end the trade across the entire City of Melbourne after a long campaign that has slowly but surely headed towards this moment,” she said.

A horse pulling a carriage collapsed and died on Arden St, North Melbourne in March 2021.

It comes after a horse pulling a carriage collapsed and died on a North Melbourne street in March last year.

The industry also came under fire at the end of 2019 after a carriage driver appeared to kick a horse in the head after it slipped over and struggled to get up.

The Victorian government has previously said the services pose a hazard for operators, their passengers, horses and other road users including pedestrians, cyclists, trams, drivers, e-scooter riders, delivery vans and commercial passenger vehicles.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp last year said the proposed changes were important to improve safety on busy roads.

“We know that road and footpath space in the Hoddle Grid is at a premium, which is why we need to keep people moving as best we can,” she said at the time.

Operators would still be able to drive their horse drawn carriages outside this area but still within City of Melbourne with pre-booked passengers.

The new laws are intended to take effect from the middle of June.