Philadelphia Carriage Company Closing After Stable Violations

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Carriage Company, one of two remaining horse-drawn carriage companies in the city, has been ordered to close as of Dec. 31 and its horses will be sent to an animal sanctuary.

The company was ordered to close in a court decision handed down Thursday after Philadelphia Councilman Mark Squilla and animal welfare advocates around the area led a charge to close the company's stables at 500 N. 13th St. and provide sanctuary for its horses.

The only carriage company in the city that will be in operation after the New Year is 76 Carriage Company.

Philly.com reports city inspectors who investigated the Philadelphia Carriage Company found no appropriate pasture or roaming space for horses, dirty and poorly ventilated stables, and too-small horse stalls. The outlet also reports inspectors said the horses appeared malnourished and were lying in their own waste.

City officials said the Law Department is pleased with the outcome of Thursday's decision.

"The City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Carriage Company have reached an agreement that provides for the safe and humane transfer of all of PCC’s horses to a responsible, humane care taking facility that specializes in the rescue of draft and carriage horses," city officials said in statement."The Law Department is exceptionally pleased that this matter was able to be resolved amicably, quickly, and with the best interest of the public and the horses in mind."

PETA issued a statement Thursday, lauding the city's decision and Squilla's efforts.

"This company has illegally forced sick horses to haul heavy carriages day in and day out without a license for six months," the statement reads. "As these horses finally head to retirement at a rescue group, PETA thinks that Philadelphians and tourists alike will see that horse-drawn carriages have no place in the 21st century."

A horse drawn carriage travels through the Independence Hall area of Philadelphia Thursday, June 11, 1998. City officials are proposing requirements to shorten the work week of the horses in addition to protection in cold and very hot weather. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)