Stricter rules needed to protect caleche horses, Projet Montral says

After a stretch of sweltering daysin Montreal, the Official Opposition at City Hallis calling for stricter measures to ensure the safety ofcaleche horses.

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Sterling Downey, Projet Montral's spokespersonfor wildlife management, says if it's too hot outside for humans, then it's too hot for the horses who pull carriages through Old Montreal.

"The city needs to be more vigilant and proactive in enforcing rules for this industry," Downey said Thursday.

"We need to review these bylaws, these rules governing the industry, and make sure that the animals are protected."

As it stands, Montrealcaleche horses aren't allowed tobe working if the temperature recorded at Trudeau airport by Environment Canada is above30 degrees.

On Wednesday, outraged Montrealersposted photos on social mediaafter spotting horses working during the recent heat wave, which prompted a warning from Environment Canada.

Some say the horses are being forced to work in inhumane conditions.

But the temperature didn't hit 30until 3 p.m., meaning caleche drivers were not breaking the rules.

Still, ProjetMontral says the city should be more strict.

The party isasking the city'sexecutive committee to intervene and orderdrivers to taketheir horses home whenever there is a severe heat warning in effect.

"The executive committee needs to move on this immediately, modify the bylaws, make sure they take into consideration all of these concerns," Downey said.