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Public pressure mounts over carriage‑horse welfare; city outlines inspections and possible franchise consequences
Summary
Dozens of public commenters presented videos and eyewitness accounts alleging repeated mistreatment of carriage horses and violations by Country Carriages. City staff said University of Florida extension experts inspected stables and produced a repair list; commissioners asked staff to consider stricter franchise language that would void franchises if overt abuse is documented.
A long run of public comments at the commission meeting focused on alleged mistreatment of carriage horses operated under city lease and franchise agreements.
Speakers cited video evidence and repeated incidents: Patricia Ramos said carriage drivers routinely denied horses required 15‑minute breaks, pointed to timestamps in videos and alleged drivers smoked near horses’ faces; Catherine Zotta described a horse stumbling on Bayfront and continuing service without apparent…
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