Carriage Horse Regulations – FAQ
All quotes on this page are directly from the Charleston, SC Code of Ordinances
What are the temperature limits for carriage horses?
"When either the ambient temperature reaches ninety-five (95) degrees Fahrenheit or the Heat
Index reaches one hundred ten (110) degrees Fahrenheit, as determined by the department
of livability and tourism or the police department after having received four (4) consecutive
ambient temperature and/or heat index readings, which readings were taken at least fifteen
(15) minutes apart that demonstrate that the ambient temperature and/or heat index equals
or is above the stated ambient temperature or heat index as provided herein, the carriage
company operators shall discontinue working their animals and remove them from the
streets until the temperature decreases below the above-stated temperatures as authorized
by the department of livability and tourism or the police department."
How many hours are the horses allowed to work?
"In a twenty-four-hour period, animals shall not engage in Work more than eight (8)
consecutive hours or ten hours with out a one and one-half (11⁄2) hour break being
disconnected from the carriage, in a twenty-four-hour period.
Animals shall not engage in work more than six (6) days in a seven-day period."
What are the weight and load limits for the carriages?
"No carriage shall be operated having more passengers than what is permitted by its certificate
of appropriateness or having a combined weight of carriage, passengers, and drivers that is
more than three (3) times the weight of the animal(s) pulling the vehicle."
If you see a horse in distress or witness an incident, please take immediate action:
How can I report a concern or an accident?
- Note the carriage number and company name.
- Call the City of Charleston Tourism Management office at (843)-709-1985
- Email our advocacy group with any photos or videos so we can document the issue: banforcharleston@gmail.com
What is the City of Charleston responsible for?
The City is responsible for enforcing the carriage ordinance, which includes monitoring temperatures, inspecting stables, and issuing citations for safety violations. They oversee the Livability and Tourism Departments that manage these daily operations.
What can residents and visitors do to help?
Your voice makes a huge difference in animal welfare! You can help by:
- Signing our petition to lower temperature working limits.
- Choosing walking tours or electric carriages(hopefully approved in the future) instead of horse-drawn ones.
- Sharing information about horse safety with friends and fellow tourists.