Horse Carriage Rides Are Here To Stay In Philadelphia

By Mike Dunn

PHILADELPHIA (CBS)--Philadelphia's iconic horse carriage rides in the historic district are apparently here to stay, even as New York City's new mayor wants to ban them in the Big Apple.

Just sworn in as New York City's mayor, Bill de Blasio is vowing to prohibit the use of horse carriages around Central Park. He wants drivers to use antique cars instead.

Here in Philadelphia, the horses are staying.

"The Administration has no plans to look at banning carriage horses in the city."

Mayor Nutter's spokesman Mark McDonald says the use of horses in the city is far less extensive than in the Big Apple.

"There are two companies that provide services on a fairly circumscribed route. By comparison to New York, this is a rather small system."

McDonald also says the concerns about poor working conditions for the horses will be looked at.

"The Administration is in the process of putting together a working group that will be looking at both the care of horses and the maintenance of horse stables."

Animal rights activists believe the use of horses on city streets is inhumane, and some have petitioned the city to stop them.