Montreal to consider banning calche horses

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre says he is considering theoptions, including the possibility of banning calche horses, after a horse collided with a carWednesday.

"All the options are on the table," Coderre said."My patience has its limits, but at the same time, we are enhancing regulations right now."

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The runaway horse, pullingan empty carriage, rolled onto a carat the corner of Peel and Wellington streets in Montreal's Griffintown neighbourhood.

Adriver from theLucky LucStablewho would not give his nametold CBC the horse, named Mimi, lost a shoe and the driver had gotten out of the calche to retrieveit.

The horse was examined by a city-appointed veterinarian Thursday morning. Itwasn't seriouslyinjured, but it will be stabled until more tests can be completed.

The city is conducting an investigation into the incident. Depending on its outcome, it is possible Lucky Luc Stable or the calche drivercould be fined.

If the citydoesn't ban calches outright, Coderresaid there are other options which includefinding ways to improve theworking conditions for the horses.

"I think that the horse is a part of our Montreal identity, but it's all about the condition itself," said Coderre.

Calls for public consultation on industry

ProjetMontraloppositioncouncillor Sterling Downeywants Montreal tohold a public consultation on the future of the calche industry.

He also wantsa report on the industry, which was ordered by Coderre last summer,to be made public.

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Coderre said the report is being analyzedandwill be made public soon.

Projet Montral is also demandingstricter rules, includingincreasing the number of inspectors and suspending allcalchepermits for businesses found to be at fault, once an investigation has been completed.