Chicago has decided to ban the archaic and inhumane mode of transportation for good.

Last week, Chicago became the latest city to ban horse-drawn carriages.

The City Council voted 46-4 to pass the ordinance that will take effect Jan. 1, 2021.

Under the new ordinance, no new licenses will be issued and the 10 license-holders currently in operation will be unable to request a renewal after their permits expire later this year.

With this ruling, Chicago joins Montreal; Salt Lake City; Biloxi, Miss.; Camden, N.J.; Key West; Palm Beach; Pompano Beach and Treasure Island, Fla. Tat, who have already banned the mode of transportation.

Last month, animal welfare group NYCLASS shared shocking footage of a 12-year-old horse named Aisha stumbling onto a roadway and struggling to get back up before finally collapsing in Central park reigniting a fresh debate on the outdated, cruel and inhumane form of transportation in current times. The horse was later euthanized.

Victory

For years, animal rights activists and some aldermen have tried to outlaw horse-drawn carriages. 

Jodie Wiederkehr, Executive Director of animal-rights group Chicago Alliance for Animals involved in pushing for the ban said: “The Chicago Alliance for Animals is thrilled that Chicago officials finally saw how Chicago’s horse carriage operators refuse to self-regulate and banned this inhumane, archaic and dangerous relic before a human or horse suffers or dies from this unnecessary activity, like so many have in other cities.

“Chicago is a world-class city and doesn’t need to depend on animal exploitation for a vibrant tourism industry.”

PETA president Ingrid Newkirk said she hoped Chicago’s stance would lead the way for other cities to ban the practice as well.

“PETA and the Chicago Alliance for Animals have supported this progressive ban every step of the way, and we have high hopes that this kinder, carriage-free city will influence others to follow suit,” Newkirk said.

Animal Wellness Action, an animal protection and welfare advocacy group, applauded the Chicago City Council for their breakthrough vote.

“We applaud the Chicago City Council for breaking tradition with this historic move to protect our iconic American equines — whose very backs this country was built upon,” Marty Irby, executive director at AWA, told PEOPLE in a statement.

• Read: Fury after carriage horse collapses and dies in New York

Share this story to urge other cities to ban horse-drawn carriages.

Totally Vegan Buzz Team

The Totally Vegan Buzz Team are a gang of extremely entertaining writers who also happen to be vegan. Together, they bring you all the vegan infotainment you need – trends, news, quizzes and more. Leave them a comment! They love it when you guys say hi…

See author's posts