The clatter of hooves on San Antonio's downtown streets may soon come to an end as a city governance committee meets today to discuss the future of horse-drawn carriages, per a City Council Consideration Request (CCR) filed in 2022. Councilmembers Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and Phyllis Viagran spearheaded the initiative, labeling the carriages as inhumane and asserting that they are cruel means of travel. The motion has ignited debate over the ethics and tradition of the attraction that dates back to 1865.

In statements to KENS5, McKee-Rodriguez indicated that there is a disconnect between the romanticized image of horse-drawn carriages in San Antonio and the reality of their operation in a modern urban setting. "Many people appreciate, if not romanticize, the idea of horse drawn carriages in San Antonio but the reality is that they don't belong downtown in city streets. Our days are getting hotter, construction and traffic are getting worse, and the conditions that once made downtown a destination for horse-drawn carriages no longer exist," he said. Advocates for phasing out the practice cite concerns surrounding animal welfare, environmental impacts, and the practicality of carriages amid growing traffic and infrastructure changes. The committee convenes at 10 a.m. to potentially refer the CCR to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for further review.

Opposition to the proposal comes from owners of carriage companies like Stephanie Garcia, who argues that her horses are treated exceedingly well. In an interview with KENS5, Garcia contended, "These horses couldn't be more humanely looked after than they are. They have dentists, they have vets. They're very well cared for, very well looked after, watered after every ride, diaper bags changed after every time they use them. So I just don't understand where they're heading with this new direction that they're going ahead with."  Her company adheres to strict regulations, including vet inspections and limits on working conditions for the horses. Garcia's establishment, which owns 22 horses, ensures that only five work at a time, rotated regularly to ensure rest and proper care.

According to MySanAntonio.com, the initial CCR proposed in 2022 aimed to cut down the horse-drawn carriage attractions by December 31, 2023. However, as of the committee's meeting on April 17, the carriages still trot through the streets of San Antonio, evoking mixed emotions from locals and tourists alike. The council's decision will potentially shape the city's commitment to animal rights, and the pursuit to modernize its tourist offerings while balancing tradition with contemporary sensibilities. San Antonio has yet to announce the specific alternatives that might replace the carriages if they are indeed fazed out.