§ 35-142. Carriages and equipment.

(a)

Carriages and equipment shall be inspected by the city manager, or the city manager's designee from time to time. If the city manager, or designee, determines the carriage or equipment is not in a safe, presentable or satisfactory condition, the carriage shall not be operated until the city manager or designee grants approval for operation.

(b)

Carriages.

(1)

Each carriage shall have identification on the outside carriage body as follows:

a.

The name, telephone number, rated passenger capacity, and fare rates of the permit holder shall be posted on the right side of the carriage. The rated passenger capacity shall be identified with two-inch lettering.

b.

The carriage vehicle number shall be centered on the "slow" emblem sign with four-inch lettering and reflector tape or paint.

c.

A sign stating, "To report a complaint, please call (409-765-3702)" shall be securely affixed to the carriage in a visible location.

d.

A sign stating, "To report cruel or harassing animal treatment, call (409-765-3702)."

(2)

Carriage wheels must be rubber wheels. Steel or outer rims shall not be permitted on any carriage.

(3)

Each carriage shall be equipped with operating electrical lights and reflectors, including two (2) lamps in the front of the carriage.

(4)

All service and parking brakes shall be maintained in good working condition.

(5)

All carriages shall be equipped with emergency equipment, including but not limited to, a knife suitable for cutting a harness, a halter with lead, and a horse blindfold.

(6)

All carriages shall have all bearing hubs. Antique carriages with servin hubs shall be properly greased before being placed into service.

(c)

All carriage stands shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. At the end of each day, carriage companies shall clean carriage stands assigned to them. Failure to clean each carriage stand that was used during the day shall result in the carriage company not being allowed to operate any carriages the following day. In addition, if during the calendar year, a carriage company receives three (3) notices for failure to clean assigned carriage stand(s), the carriage company's permit shall automatically be cancelled. The cancellation of the permit is in addition to, not in lieu of, other penalties that may be imposed by this article.

(d)

Other equipment.

(1)

All harnesses must be oiled and cleaned so as to be soft at all times. Harness must be properly fitted and maintained. No temporary repair, including wire, shall be allowed if injury may be caused to the animal.

(2)

Equipment causing an impairment of vision, except approved blinders, shall not be used.

(3)

Horseshoes of steel, iron, urethane, or synthetic shoes shall be required.

(Ord. No. 94-51, §§ 1, 2, 9-8-94; Ord. No. 01-094, § 5, 12-13-01; Ord. No. 15-009, § 2, 1-22-15 )