Due to the heat wave across Belgium this week, the city of Ostend has suspended horse-drawn carriage rides until further notice — but Bruges has not.
Ostend has regulations that prevent the carriage rides at temperatures higher than 28 degrees, according to RTBF. As long as the high temperatures continue, the horses will remain in shady areas like the stables.
The carriage rides will continue in Bruges because of clear agreements with the ride operators and strict enforcement of regulations by police, mayor Dirk De fauw said.
The regulations say the horses must have adequate food, water, and rest one day for every one day of work.
Both De fauw and Bruges' alderman for animal welfare, Mathijs Goderis, received messages asking them to shut down the carriages.
Sam Nelson
The Brussels Times
