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PETA Asia investigations at Egypt’s top tourist sites have documented the appalling abuse of horses forced to haul carriages (also called caleches) full of visitors in blistering heat without shade, food, or water.
Outrageously, it’s been years since the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Giza Governorate promised that they would take action to ban the rides. In the wake of PETA Asia’s new exposé three months ago, they reaffirmed that commitment—in the vaguest possible terms—yet nothing has changed.
Appallingly, the original commitment has now been delayed again, until as late as October 2023. This is unacceptable.
PETA Asia is releasing brand-new footage showing that horses are still subjected to unrelenting pain and toil and is warning tourists to stay away.
Tents, canopies, and umbrellas for shade as well as readily available water sources can and should be provided immediately, and a veterinarian dedicated to these animals should have been put in place years ago. The rides can and must be suspended during extreme heat. While authorities are procrastinating, horses are suffering terribly.
Even after being given video footage of a horse who had collapsed and was relentlessly beaten until she finally managed to struggle back to her feet, authorities apparently took no action. PETA Asia’s request for information about her was ignored.
The desperate horses often forage in dumpsters for something to eat. Eating trash can lead to painful and often deadly colic. Horses are worked continuously and are viciously beaten when they falter, even when they collapse.
Many horses used for rides in Giza and Luxor were seen with painful, bloody wounds but were forced to continue carting tourists around. Even those with severe injuries like broken legs are denied veterinary care. Some are cruelly branded with red-hot metal irons.
PETA Asia first documented the cruelty in 2019, revealing the horrific abuse of horses forced to haul visitors in carriages in unrelentingly grueling conditions. They endured severe beatings—emaciated horses whose ribs showed through their skin were repeatedly whipped.
After the release of the damning footage, the government promised to implement changes, including replacing horse-drawn carriages with electric vehicles, and PETA Asia suspended the campaign. Finally, three years later, some electric vehicles have now been introduced to the site. While they are a welcome change, all horses need to be removed—and they can’t wait any longer. Recently, a tourist posted footage showing a horse who had collapsed. Handlers stood idly by, failing to help or seek treatment for the suffering animal.
Take Action Now
Tourists who pay to take carriage rides keep these operations in business. If you’re planning to visit Egypt, don’t take one of these rides.
Please urge Egypt’s minister of Tourism and Antiquities to end this abuse by banning horse-drawn carriages.