What next for Montreal calche drivers and their horses?

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre's moratorium on horse-drawncalches doesn't go far enough for animal rights advocates, and goes too far for theirdrivers. Montrealers and tourists also expressedmixed 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 becared for properly as a result.

What will happen to the calche drivers?

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

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

Andr St-Amand has been a calche driver since the age of 15and 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 fora profitablesummer off the touristsin 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 offeredrefuge

TheAnti-calchedefensecoalition has been very active online in promoting anoutright ban on the industry.

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

Coalition spokeswomanMirella Colalillo saysthey are working with the horse refuge Galahad to ensure the 56 calche 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 [calches 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 thecalches, but worry about the horses'welfare.

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

8 years ago

Duration 1:11

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

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

Opinions on Twitter were also mixed.