When Philadelphia’s last carriage company pulled its horses from the street and cleared out the stables earlier this year, animal rights advocates rejoiced: For the first time in nearly 50 years, there were no carriage horses on the streets of the city.
Critically, the pledge comes with a promise from Councilmember Mark Squilla, who represents Old City, to introduce legislation for a ban if the electric replacements are deemed street-worthy.“If these pass inspection and can be manufactured we would introduce it by the end of the year,” Squilla said Friday. “The goal has always been to find an alternative.”“I pledged to do it if it works — and I’ll do that,” he said. “I’m not sure who supports it. We haven’t got there yet.
Besides eliminating what many see as cruel and dangerous work for animals, Olmo said, electric carriages can provide customers with a smoother, quieter ride — and are easier for operators to maintain. The electric carriages would maintain the colonial charm of the old carriages, he said.