Ban urged on horse-drawn carriages in Rome

Tourists love to view the Colosseum and other famous landmarks in Rome from the back of a horse-drawn carriage but animal rights activists said Tuesday it's time to ban the practice.

Traffic, pollution, heat and heavy carriages expose the horses to health risks, the activists said, adding that the animals rest in dark and humid stables.

The activists have appealed to Rome's city hall to stop the service, proposing that the coachmen be rehired as cab drivers.

The coachmen reject accusations that their horses are overworked or abused.

Source: AP