Advocates Demand Action on Animal Cruelty at Bayfront Tour Operations

The St. Augustine City Commission meeting held on August 25, 2025, addressed significant concerns regarding animal welfare, particularly focusing on the treatment of horses used for tourism at the Bayfront. The meeting began with a passionate presentation highlighting potential violations of Florida's animal cruelty laws, specifically Florida statute 828.12, which prohibits the unnecessary torment and deprivation of animals.

The speaker presented compelling evidence, including photographs of horses in distress, standing in direct sunlight without adequate access to water or shade. The images depicted a horse unable to drink from a spilled water bucket and another horse showing signs of pain and discomfort due to the equipment used during tours. The speaker emphasized that current city regulations only require water to be provided after tours, raising questions about the welfare of these animals during their working hours.

The discussion pointed to a broader issue of prioritizing appearances over animal welfare, suggesting that the city may be overlooking the basic needs of these service animals. The speaker called for the Commission to collaborate with tour operators to phase out practices that exploit animals for profit, arguing that no tradition justifies cruelty.

Following this presentation, the meeting continued with additional speakers, including Susan Hill, who aimed to build on the previous discussion. The Commission's response to these concerns and any proposed actions regarding animal welfare at the Bayfront will be closely monitored in future meetings. The session underscored the ongoing dialogue about ethical treatment of animals in tourism and the responsibilities of local authorities to ensure their protection.