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Since January 1, 2020, guided carriage tours are prohibited in Montreal. Getty Images / Bruce Yuanyue Bi

In Montreal, Quebec, guided carriage tours are over, at least for the time being. Some believe it is a loss of heritage, others a victory for animal rights.

With our correspondent in Montreal, David Savoie

The sound of hooves on the cobblestones of Old Montreal may soon be a distant memory. Since January 1, the city has prohibited guided tours aboard horse-drawn carriages, an iconic tourist attraction in Montreal.

Municipal authorities justify their decision because of growing concerns for animal welfare, but also because of a series of incidents that have caused concern and outrage. In particular, a horse had fallen on a metal grid near a construction site.

To reduce the impact on coachmen, Montreal is offering 700 euros to buy their animals and entrust them to an animal protection association. The municipality also says it wants to help coachmen find a new job.

In recent weeks, the coachmen have expressed their dissatisfaction in the local media. Those who wanted to defy the city's injunction have changed their minds: they could face stiff fines of almost 1,400 euros. The matter could be settled in court.