Ponytail as Protest: Petition Against Carriage Horses in Vienna

With an unusual campaign, the Austrian Animal Welfare Association (ÖTV) aims to highlight the plight of the carriage horses. On Wednesday, the organization called for participation in the so-called "Horse Tail Tour" – a humorously staged city tour through Vienna, intended to make a statement for more animal welfare in urban areas.

In parallel, the petition "Goodbye Street Stress – Hello Green Zone!" was launched. The goal is to banish carriage horses from inner-city traffic and provide them with a more animal-friendly habitat in green zones.

Criticism of the Use of Carriage Horses in Heat and Noise

"Horses do not belong in stressful street traffic, especially not in extreme summer temperatures," emphasizes behavioral biologist Dr. Vera Marashi from the ÖTV. According to the association, there were 52 days in 2024 alone with temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius in downtown Vienna. The animals are deployed without sufficient shade or protection, even though their physiological comfort temperature is a maximum of 25 degrees.

"Horse Tail Tour" in August Aims to Attract Attention

The so-called "Horse Tail Tour," planned for August, aims to generate attention with a mix of creativity and social criticism. Participants are encouraged to walk through downtown Vienna with ponytail-style hairstyles – whether natural, wig, or ironically exaggerated. "We are looking for people with attitude, humor, and a ponytail – hairstyle not irrelevant (wink)!" explains Jakob Innauer, campaign manager of the ÖTV. Those who also bring coconuts can authentically imitate the sound of galloping hooves – a nod to the Monty Python film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Alternatives to Vienna's Fiakers: Danger for Humans and Animals

In addition to animal welfare, the association also argues with practical reasons. Fiaker carriages are repeatedly involved in accidents that endanger not only animals but also humans. They also contribute to avoidable noise and congestion in the already heavily burdened city traffic.

In the long term, the ÖTV advocates for a concept that relocates horse-drawn carriages to green zones, where tourist offerings could be designed under more animal-friendly conditions – for example, in parks or suburban areas.

Participation Desired

The petition can be signed online. Those who wish to become more actively involved are invited to join the planned protest tour in August. Information about the event and the campaign is available at www.tierschutzverein.at as well as through the ÖTV newsletter.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.