The city, together with animal protection organizations, is looking for ways to support horse-drawn carriage drivers in switching to the taxi business. However, not all horse-drawn carriages are pleased with the initiative to ban carriages from Italy’s capital.
Archive image of fiakers in Rome – called “Botticelle” in the Italian capital. Imago / Dreamstime / Giocalde
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The traditional horse-drawn carriages of Rome, the “botticelle”, are apparently on the verge of extinction. According to information from administrative circles, only 16 teams are still in use. The city is now looking for sponsors to enable the coach drivers to switch to taxi licenses. Several animal protection organizations have already signaled that they want to support this in order to end the use of horses. However, some carriages do not want to give up their carriages.
Rome’s animal protection commissioner, Patrizia Prestipino, announced stricter controls if no agreement is reached. “If they do not agree, we will place a police patrol behind each carriage to control possible violations.”
Restrictions on high temperatures already apply in Rome. Operation is prohibited at temperatures above 30 degrees, otherwise trips are only permitted in the early morning hours and in the evening. The city refers to the protection of animals.
The “Botticelle” have been controversial for years. Critics see them as a relic of bygone times, while supporters point to their tourist and cultural value. An offer to switch to taxi licenses, introduced in 2009, was only accepted by a few coach drivers.
They reject the accusation that horses suffer from urban traffic and the heat. According to the association of Roman “Botticelle” owners, no one takes better care of the horses than the coachmen. (APA)
