Surrey horse rides may seem like a charming, nostalgic tourist attraction, but the reality is far from romantic. The practice of forcing horses to pull heavy carriages through the hot, congested, and exhaust-filled streets of The Bahamas is not only cruel but also dangerous. It is time to acknowledge this abuse and take decisive action to end it.
Horses Suffer in Extreme Heat and Humidity
The Bahamas is known for its tropical climate, with temperatures often soaring above 90°F (32°C), coupled with high humidity. Unlike humans, horses do not sweat efficiently in such conditions, making them highly susceptible to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke. These horses are forced to work for long hours under the blistering sun with little access to shade, water, or rest. This is inhumane and unacceptable.
Traffic Congestion and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Surrey horses are forced to navigate congested streets filled with honking cars, aggressive drivers, and constant stop-and-go movement. This exposes them to harmful levels of carbon monoxide, gasoline fumes, and other pollutants. Studies show that prolonged exposure to vehicle emissions leads to respiratory diseases, eye irritation, and decreased lung function in both humans and animals. Horses, with their sensitive respiratory systems, suffer tremendously in these conditions.
Dangerous Conditions Lead to Accidents and Deaths
Horses pulling surreys are not meant for city streets, where sudden noises, reckless drivers, and heavy traffic can easily spook them. Over the years, there have been numerous cases of surrey horses collapsing from exhaustion or being hit by cars. Some of these accidents result in the horse being euthanized on the spot. Is this the kind of “attraction” we want to promote?
A Dying Industry That Harms The Bahamas’ Image
Across the world, cities like Montreal, Chicago, Salt Lake City, and Guadalajara have banned horse-drawn carriages due to concerns over animal cruelty and public safety. Tourists today are more conscious of ethical travel and are less inclined to support attractions that exploit animals. The Bahamas, as a world-class travel destination, should be leading the way in humane tourism, not lagging behind.
Alternative, Humane, and Profitable Solutions
Ending surrey horse rides does not mean the loss of tourism revenue. Instead, we can replace them with eco-friendly and cruelty-free alternatives, such as electric carriages or pedicabs (bicycle rickshaws). These options provide a unique experience for visitors without subjecting animals to suffering. Additionally, former surrey horse operators could transition to cultural walking tours, allowing them to continue benefiting from tourism while promoting local history and heritage in a responsible way.
The Time for Change is Now
Surrey rides are an outdated and abusive practice that has no place in modern, ethical tourism. The evidence is clear: horses suffer immensely in The Bahamas’ hot, congested streets. We must act with compassion and common sense by banning horse-drawn carriages and replacing them with humane alternatives.
It is time to protect the horses, improve The Bahamas’ global reputation, and create a better future for tourism. Let’s end this cruelty now.
