Carriage-horse welfare and franchise renewal flagged after multiple public complaints; city to notify operators of nonrenewal pending new ordinance

Public commenters repeatedly urged the City Commission to act on carriage-horse welfare during general public comment, citing multiple recent deaths and alleging inadequate veterinary oversight and the potential for sale into slaughter. Speakers named specific animals and causes of death; several showed photos and referenced investigative material.

Residents argued that code changes alone are insufficient without enforcement. Heather Wilson said several named animals had limited veterinary care and described deaths from infectious disease and colic. Catherine Zoda presented photographic material and criticized the city’s oversight and the ability of code language to allow inhumane disposal.

In response, City Manager told the commission staff intends to notify two horse-carriage franchise holders whose agreements are up for renewal on Sept. 30 that the city will not renew under the existing terms but will offer them first right of refusal to reapply under a forthcoming franchise ordinance. The manager said the approach aligns with the commission direction given in February to bring franchise holdings into a consistent framework and not automatically grandfather old terms into new regulations.

The commission indicated support for that approach. Staff also noted that other franchise holders not currently up for renewal could be subject to new rules if and when new ordinances are adopted; the city attorney observed that franchise code notes ordinances may be amended over time and that new rules could apply to existing franchisees.

What’s next: staff will issue the nonrenewal/notice letters prior to the March 30 deadline, finalize the draft franchise ordinance for public workshops (May 8 workshop on vehicle-for-hire/franchise matters was tentatively scheduled), and report back to the commission.