Two ‘Victoria’ horses seized in Mumbai

The carriages, known as Victoria, were plying in the restricted areas, the statement said

Two horses, forced to pull the ‘Victoria’ carriages in pitiable conditions on Mumbai roads, have been seized by the police and animal rights activists. The horses had large open wounds and very poor body condition, including protruding rib cages and pelvic bones, a release by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said on Tuesday .

The carriages, known as Victoria, were plying in the restricted areas, it said. The operation was conducted on Saturday with the support of an expert team authorised by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and consisting of a veterinarian from PETA and an animal-welfare officer from NGO, Animal Rahat, it said.

The horses were also found to be suffering from severe dehydration, swollen joints and tendons, and foot diseases.

Earlier, a week ago, the police had seized three carriage horses. Some carriage drivers threatened the team members during inspection of horses despite having authorisation from the AWBI and an order from Ashok Dudhe, deputy commissioner of police (operations), PETA said.

The police have registered two non-cognisable offence complaints against the carriage owners and drivers under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The seized horses were sent to the Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals hospital in Parel.