Residents and animal welfare volunteers have urged the authorities concerned to step up measures to capture and regulate horses roaming freely on Coimbatore city roads, citing the risk they pose to motorists and pedestrians and the dangers faced by the animals.
A resident of Vellakinar said the problem persisted for more than two decades, with horses frequently seen roaming on roads without supervision. With several schools in the vicinity of Vellakinar Pirivu on Mettupalayam Road, their presence raised concerns over road safety. Last year, a horse caused an accident involving a woman travelling on a two-wheeler with her two children at Vellakinar Pirivu, he said.
SPCA coordinator and anti-cruelty officer V. Balakrishnan said the issue was also linked to the way horses were owned and used in the city. Many of the horses found on the streets had owners, but some were let loose because of the cost of maintaining them or when they developed health problems.
Some horses were bought for racing and wedding functions, while owners occasionally took them back when they were due to foal and subsequently left them on the streets again, Mr. Balakrishnan said.
Horses are frequently seen in Saibaba Colony, Vellakinar, Kanuvai, Vadavalli and Thudiyalur. The animals feed on roadside garbage, which leaves them vulnerable to illness.
Animal volunteer E. Kaviyan, who is involved in rescuing and treating horses in the city, said the 1962 Animal Mobile Medical Ambulance service was not available at all time for horse rescues. He had rescued several horses in the past year, but the service had assisted him only twice, forcing volunteers to rely on private veterinarians and local residents.
He said a hydraulic lift-equipped animal ambulance was important for rescuing injured or sick horses, which could weigh between 400 kg and 600 kg.
Mr. Balakrishnan suggested that horses be registered with the Animal Welfare Board so that their owners could be traced and fines imposed on those who allowed them to roam freely. Maintaining a record of horses in the city would also help authorities monitor the problem, he said.
