Mule drawn carriages... (house, living, eat)

[Podo944]

I'm finding out there's controversy about this practice.
Some say the mules can handle the load and the heat, and are regulated by the city, others say its a cruel practice. (Although haven't mules always been used for grunt work?)
Just curious if anyone has any insight on this. Sounds like a fun idea to see the FQ, but not if the animals are really being abused.

Thanks!

[moiraesfate]

Umm, I hadn't even thought about it before. The heat can be very intense, but most of these animals live in this heat and are used to it. Plus, they have huge water troughs for the horses to drink from, and they can spend long periods of time doing nothing but sitting there.

It's no better for the humans that are on the carts. I asked a driver about being out in the heat once and he said "Not a big deal, you get used to it".

If they stop the carriages, alot of people will be out of work. I don't see it happening. It's a major industry.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

They used to use horses until a bad summer some time prior to 1995, can't remember the exact year. Several horses dropped dead in the street in front of the tourists. Bad for business so they banned horses for carriages. I lost a beautiful German Shepard that summer, he overheated outside in the shade while I was at work. So now my dogs enjoy the house when I am gone.

[rcp11889]

Originally Posted by Podo944

I'm finding out there's controversy about this practice.
Some say the mules can handle the load and the heat, and are regulated by the city, others say its a cruel practice. (Although haven't mules always been used for grunt work?)
Just curious if anyone has any insight on this. Sounds like a fun idea to see the FQ, but not if the animals are really being abused.

Thanks!

A lot of people find this to be animal abuse. A lot don't. The city will never ban it though.

[confusedasusual]

I am not someone to promote animal abuse, but isn't that what mules are bred to do-- pull loads?

Most of the carriage drivers I know of dote on their animals.

[Podo944]

Originally Posted by confusedasusual

I am not someone to promote animal abuse, but isn't that what mules are bred to do-- pull loads?

Most of the carriage drivers I know of dote on their animals.

This is good to know... after all, if they don't take care of their animals properly, they can't make a living. Plus, they are their "work mates". I would imagine they would grow fond of them.

Hopefully, any abusive types would be reported and out of business.

[debbiemh]

The mules with some of the carriage companies have it made. They are only allowed to work a set amount of hours. If the temps are high, they reduce it. They work for 6 months and then go to a farm for 3 months for a vacation and don't do anything there but eat grass and chill. A vet is on 24 hour call as well. Most people would love to have that job! Now, I'm not saying all of the Nola carriage companies do this, but most.

[Speleothem]

Originally Posted by debbiemh

The mules with some of the carriage companies have it made. They are only allowed to work a set amount of hours. If the temps are high, they reduce it. They work for 6 months and then go to a farm for 3 months for a vacation and don't do anything there but eat grass and chill. A vet is on 24 hour call as well. Most people would love to have that job! Now, I'm not saying all of the Nola carriage companies do this, but most.

Beats the heck outta pullin' a plow.

[Bluesmama]

Mules are not only hardier, they are a lot less likely to sprint off.