SAVE CHICAGO CARRIAGE HORSES
SAVE CHICAGO CARRIAGE HORSES-
CITY OF CHICAGO TO VOTE WEDNESDAY MORNING – April 22nd, 2020
The Chicago City Council, is meeting virtually at 10 AM on Wednesday, April 22nd, to vote on Ordinance O2019-4125. The result of this vote could end the long-held and beloved Chicago tradition of carriage horse rides downtown.
The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (IVSMA), the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and a coalition of other partners are IN OPPOSITION TO THE ORDINANCE which would deny the renewal of the business licenses for carriage horse companies .
AS ADVOCATES FOR ANIMAL WELFARE, THESE TWO VETERINARY ASSOCIATIONS SUPPORT THE CARRIAGE HORSE INDUSTRY IN CHICAGO.
The horses are well cared for and undergo regular veterinary examination and inspection.
NOTICE FROM THE ILLNIOS STATE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION:
“ISVMA has previously submitted comments on other versions of this ordinance, which have addressed the ability of horses to work, as well as their safety, care and welfare.
The language in this ordinance is the most recent version of the proposal to end the Chicago carriage horse industry. It specifically prohibits carriage horse license renewals as of Dec. 31, 2020 thus ending the ability of carriage horses to operate within city limits.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT CHICAGO CARRIAGE HORSES –
CONTACT CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THE CHICAGO MAYOR
Use the following information to guide your talking points for an email or phone call to Chicago City Council Members and the Chicago Mayor to OPPOSE this ordinance:
• Chicago carriage horses are overseen by an equine veterinarian to ensure their health.
• Chicago carriage horses operate under very strict, protective measures to ensure content and healthy horses.
• Chicago carriage horses are already strictly regulated by the City of Chicago to ensure welfare and safety standards.
• Carriage horses are bred to work and it is evident that carriage horses enjoy their work.
• Studies have revealed health benefits to children and adults when experiencing contact with animals.
• In the last 25 years, no horses have been harmed while pulling a horse-drawn carriage in downtown Chicago.
• Horse drawn carriages are the last vestiges of our city’s heritage.
• A carriage ban eliminates jobs for both horse and owner.
• A carriage ban puts more restrictions on horses than on humans who operate pedicabs.”
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Priority Emails and Phone Numbers
Ordinance Co-Sponsor Brian Hopkins
312-744-6836
Ward02@cityofchicago.org
Ordinance Co-Sponsor Brendan Reilly
312-744-3062
ward42@cityofchicago.org
Chair of Licensing & Consumer Protection Committee Emma Mitts
312-744-3180
ward37@cityofchicago.org
Mayor Lori Lightfoot
312-744-3300
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