This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A carriage horse "went down" on the hot city streets on Saturday. Temperatures were well into the 90s and probably hotter on the asphalt.
My question is why we have this practice at all? The historic landmarks are well within walking distance, as is the entire downtown area. Why do we have these unfortunate animals working in the heat, on hot roads, with no shade, distracted by noise, breathing exhaust and with the risk of being hit?
If it is too hot for us to walk or if it is so polluted that we are advised to stay indoors, it's too stressful for the horses as well. I've stayed away from downtown to avoid seeing the horses enduring this apparent cruelty. I know, I know… jobs and tourism. But, this isn't Central Park or the Wild West and these animals don't belong in the streets under these conditions.
Susan Pett
Salt Lake City