PETA Takes on Charleston's Carriage Tours

Charleston found itself under the bright glare of PETA's spot light when the group attacked Charleston's famous carriage tours.

From the Charleston Post and Courier:

This week, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals attacked Charleston horse carriage tours, said they ought to be banned because horses are forced to dodge cars, breathe car exhaust and walk on the pavement all day long in the heat.

Read the Post and Courier story, At PETA, another silly idea By Brian Hicks





Back in January PETA took on the horse carriage tours in New York City.

Liam Neeson squared up against celebrity animal rights campaigners Pink and Chrissie Hynde over New York's famous horse-drawn carriages back in January.

The singers had joined forces with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to launch a protest against the tourist attraction, claiming the horses are mistreated.

But horse-lover Neeson has stepped up in defense of carriage firms and drivers, insisting the animals are pampered and their owners should be protected.

The actor regularly visits the horses and their owners at the stables on Manhattan's upper west side, and says, "They've been there for a 100 years and they're an iconic part of New York."

He adds, "I know many of these guys and I just hate how the horse-drawn carriage industry is being attacked by animal activists. These are the fittest, well-fed, best-kept horses I have ever seen. I'm a horse rider and lover for many years. They have a good life. They work nine-hour days and they have a holiday. Seriously. If you've ever seen these stables... I'd move in tomorrow."

His remarks have upset PETA officials, who have fired back with a sarcastic statement: "Liam, maybe you're right, let me ponder this for a moment... It does seem like horses would prefer to endure the freezing cold and the panicky booms, noisy traffic, and exhaust fumes of the city over living in a lush pasture.


PETA tried to protest at the Carolina Cup a few years ago, but Carolina and Clemson students banned together and tore up a dozen or so signs the group had and the SHP escorted the PETA out of Camden.

I'm all for standing up for what you think is right, but with so many bigger issues in the world, PETA has lost touch.

PETA's poke at Charleston is just that an attention grab, and anyone who gives money to these ding dongs is just helping PETA's board earn six and seven figure incomes while doing little to save the dozen stay dogs and cats that are scooped up every day in Charleston County.

If you want to help animals and ease your guilt by writing a check don't fall for PETA's tactics, give to the Charleston Animal Society, or better yet adopt a dog or cat.