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Residents and carriage‑horse operators trade accusations over horse welfare at public comments
Summary
Several residents urged the City Commission to restrict or end carriage-horse operations, citing alleged cruelty and risk of horses being sent to slaughter; operators defended care practices and described animal retirement plans.
Multiple members of the public used the Aug. 25 public-comment period to press the City Commission on carriage-horse operations on the Bayfront, presenting photographs and citing state and municipal animal‑welfare rules. Speakers included Heather Wilson and Catherine Zoda, who cited Florida anti‑cruelty law and the municipal code, and Susan Hill, who urged fuller historical context for Fish Island while also supporting concern for animal welfare. Owner/operators, including Jennifer Cushin, spoke in defense of the trade and described retirement and veterinary care plans for their horses.
Heather Wilson cited St. Augustine municipal code section 27‑144 (care of animals) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) guidance, and said that, by statute and industry practice, U.S. horses continue to be shipped for processing and slaughter; she asked the commission to put carriage horses on a future agenda for policy review. Catherine Zoda showed photographs she said documented horses standing in direct sun with limited access to water and described behavior she said indicated pain or distress; she cited Florida Statute 828.12 on animal cruelty and argued that in‑service animals should have water and shade protections beyond the current post‑tour water requirement in city code.
Owner/operator Jennifer Cushin said she has worked in the industry since age 7 and that the photographs shown were taken out of context — she said one horse was yawning, not in pain, and that handlers use treats to encourage drinking; she said three of her horses were retiring this week and that slaughter is not an option for them. Other public speakers referenced historical and community concerns about Fish Island and the city’s historical interpretation, saying those histories should be better reflected at city sites.
Commissioners did not take formal action during the public‑comment period but heard repeated requests to put carriage‑horse welfare rules on a future agenda. The commission did not commit to a specific timeline; staff and the commission may follow up through a future agenda item or stakeholder meetings.
