AS the online petition against the abuse of surrey horses in the Bahamas approached its target of 2,000 signatures last night, animal rights supporters became vocal on the issue.
With the signature count standing at 1,988, a number of commentators had weighed in on the treatment of horses that walk Nassau’s historic centre with sightseeing tourists.
Rachel Short from California wrote: “I lived in Nassau from 2010-2012. These poor horses look horrible. To make them go in through traffic is disgusting.
“They are starved and mistreated. Please amend! I am boycotting all Bahamas travel and have told my company to do the same until you start treating your animals with respect.”
Christine Bouzid, a local, said: “I have always been appalled at the treatment of the surrey horses in this country. I have reported drivers, been threatened by them and still no changes.
“These beautiful animals are inhumanely treated on a regular basis, overworked and medical issues not addressed. There is seemingly no compassion for these horses, it is time for change now.
“There is no need for horses in this country as few people know how to care for them, they are just money-making machines and get treated as such. Stop this vile and abhorrent practice now, get the surrey horses off the streets of Nassau.”
Crystal Fraser, a Bahamian living abroad, said: “The way Bahamians treat animals is disgusting. It’s one of the reasons I don’t ever want to move back.”
Kacie Sawyer said: “I am a born and bred Bahamian and for years we have been trying to help these horses, constantly hitting brick wall after brick wall and the governments, no matter who was in power, turned a blind eye and had deaf ears.
“There is no reason whatsoever to have surrey horses, period. I have watched them suffer and never live a good life. This is not the Bahamas that once was island life where you could go on a surrey ride with little traffic. They work all day in the scorching heat, underfed and malnourished, no breaks, their hooves are in beyond repair state.
“I am ashamed of what has happened. What purpose do they serve – for a visitor to sit and look at cars sitting in heat while being barely pulled by a tired hungry horse?”
However, Kathryn Neely said: “Whilst I really feel this is animal cruelty, this is a livelihood for Bahamians and with the economic problems in place, something needs to be done for these operators. I have met many tourists who have enjoyed the ride very much – better animal care and a change of root is essential.”
Tohni Blower, from British Colombia, Canada, said: “Used to live in The Bahamas for 10 years. The animal abuse down there is beyond disturbing and needs to be changed by educating the young that these creatures have feelings the same as humans.”
Viktoria Spittael from Germany said: “Please stop this! This is cruel, people who do this are so low. Show the world that your country knows to respect animals. You all talk about God, but you are killing his creatures in a barbarian way. It’s disgusting!”
Comments
patricktrobinson 11 years, 5 months ago
Kathryn Neely said: “Whilst I really feel this is animal cruelty, this is a livelihood for Bahamians and with the economic problems in place, something needs to be done for these operators. I have met many tourists who have enjoyed the ride very much – better animal care and a change of root is essential.”
I agree to some extent with this statement. I don't like the way the horses are being treated, but at the same time, it does indeed provide income for many. Horses are creatures made for work, but as with any machine or animal used for working, if it is not maintained, it will eventually stop working/die. The Surrey is definitely an attraction for Downtown adding to the colonial feel of Downtown Nassau.
What needs to be done, and should be considered is, just how other countries have bike lanes, create a "surrey lane." I know, it is easier said than done but it should be considered. Unfortunately, it will take some planning and road widening to achieve this and may not be feasible to do, just for a handful of surrey drivers. This would then ease the pressures of the horses standing behind cars, inhaling the harmful exhausts. It would be a free run for the horse.
These surrey drivers need to also be inspected because the horses are malnourished and just look bad. I hope something is done real soon about this.
sixandchange 11 years, 5 months ago
"Horses are creatures made for work, but as with any machine or animal used for working, if it is not maintained, it will eventually stop working/die."
This is exactly the ignorant and damaging mindset that put the horses into the unacceptable situation they are in now. Portraying horses as merely machines to do work and then admitting that if you do not maintain them they will "stop working/die" is outright exploitation and a feeble attempt at ignoring the fact that these beautiful creatures were not "made" for working anymore than birds where "made" for caging.
These are wild animals that have been captured and forced into human service without consent. Somehow you have come to see them as little more than simple engines with little other purpose than to drive a money making machine.
To put the sheer ignorance of your statement into perspective, let us replace "horses" with "africans" and see if anything comes to mind that can help reveal the flawed rational behind your statements.
"Africans are creatures made for work, but as with any machine or human used for working, if it is not maintained, it will eventually stop working/die."
Susan 11 years, 5 months ago
Get rid of the whole thing. There is no way that these horses will ever be properly cared for. Who wants anything to remind them of a colonial past anyway, especially if it involves cruelty to animals?
positiveinput 11 years, 5 months ago
It is sad to know that in this Bahamaland, nothing is addressed until a life is lost, be it animal or human. Day by day animals and humans are left to fend for themselves with no protection from the 'Government Ministry' appointed to regulate and enforce the rules and laws to protect them. Many may say the horse was not properly cared for, had a health issue, or the motoring fumes aided in her (the horse) death, but what was the over and repeated contribution and cause of death was the 'Government' Not saying the governing party, but the ministry specially appointed to regulate and look over that area of Bahamian Living.
In fact in every sector we find those in authority are showing a blind eye to rules and regulations, allowing the general public to freely do as they please because no guide lines or regulations are kept in place. Then when something accidental, fatal or embarassing happens, we stand around dumbfounded.
Then when some mishap occurs the finger is pointed at the last domino to fall. Heads up people, the problem starts from the front. That is the people (Ministry) put to regulate and enforce the rules to keep law and order in various sectors. You can sign all the petition you want, but what good is a signature when those who are put to regulate rules and laws are not the least bit interested.
pfitz 10 years, 7 months ago
Patrick T Robinson: In response to your Comment placed here, 9 months and 3 weeks ago: If I may, These owners / drivers have NEVER taken proper care of their horses, EVER. They "yes" you to death, and do nothing. The owner / drivers are obviously in the wrong business! They claim they can't make ends meet. They can't make a living. Why do they remain in a business that they don't make any money?? I mean, what has to happen to enlighten them? They are in the WRONG business!! Give it up!
You said: "it does indeed provide income for many." No it doesn't. NO! Then you went on to say: "The Surrey is definitely an attraction for Downtown adding to the colonial feel of Downtown Nassau." When was the last time you were in Downtown Nassau? Are you kidding? THE COLONIAL FEEL OF DOWNTOWN NASSAU?? There is no Colonial feel. None. Maybe at Marina Village at Atlantis BUT not downtown Nassau. And we don;t need this Tourist Attraction while the horses are being abused.
And more that you said: "What needs to be done, and should be considered is, just how other countries have bike lanes, create a "surrey lane." I know, it is easier said than done but it should be considered. Unfortunately, it will take some planning and road widening to achieve this and may not be feasible to do, just for a handful of surrey drivers. This would then ease the pressures of the horses standing behind cars, inhaling the harmful exhausts. It would be a free run for the horse." Are you serious? This will NEVER be done. Ever, so forget about it. No more discussion.
And more still: "These surrey drivers need to also be inspected because the horses are malnourished and just look bad. I hope something is done real soon about this." They are "inspected." UNfortunately, not by qualified Vets or anyone who knows enough about horses. Small Animal Vets "inspect" the horses. The "Inspections" are not valid. At all.
The SURREY HORSES have to go. They simply have to go. The owners / drives have had enough chances and they have blown it.
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