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There's Nothing Quaint About Cruelty
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 Some people say the mule-drawn French Quarter carriages add to the Old World charm of New Orleans. At LISA, we believe that abusing animals in the congested streets of the Vieux Carre amounts to animal cruelty. We also believe that animal abuse is one tradition we should not embrace.
Witnesses report many acts of cruelty - operators striking the mules, overloading the carriages, and handling the mules in an abusive manner. Animals have been injured in automobile accidents and housed in unsanitary and inhumane conditions.
Help prevent mule abuse!
This page will inform you of actions you can take to help defend the mules on our city streets.
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If you agree that mule-drawn carriages should be banned from the French Quarter, please write to:
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LISA
PO Box 740321
New Orleans, LA 70174
(504) 366-8972
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What Can I Do To Protect The Mules?
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Don't patronize the carriages!
With so many wonderful attractions in the French Quarter, why would you want to support an industry that has a history of animal abuse?
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Report mule abuse!
The French Quarter carriages are regulated by the Taxicab Bureau. If you witness violations of the municipal ordinances listed below, you can file a complaint and initiate a hearing. (Click here to read the Municipal Ordinances to protect the carriage mules)
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If you witness a violation:
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- Get the carriage number & company name and a description of the driver. If possible, use a camera to document the violation(s).
- If an animal is in need of immediate assistance, contact the police and/or the SPCA (944-7445).
- Send a signed statement within 30 days to: Department of Utilities
Taxicab Bureau
City Hall, Room 2W12
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 586-4621You may be subpoenaed to appear in court and testify. If you are unable to do so, please forward your documentation to LISA. - Contact LISA at (504)366-8972. We will help monitor your case through the system.
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Municipal Ordinances to Protect the Carriage Mules
Violators may be fined, jailed or have their licenses suspended or revoked.
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Sec. 162-542
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- All mules must weigh at least 1,000 pounds.
- No mule shall have open sores or wounds. No animal shall be lame.
- The hooves of all animals must be properly shod and trimmed.
- The mules must be groomed daily and be free from fungus and dandruff. No animal should have a poor or dirty coat.
- The animal must have adequate flesh and muscle tones.
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Sec. 162-543
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- No carriage may pull or hold more than nine people, including the driver.
- No animal may work more than seven hours in any 24-hour period, with 15 minute rest periods between each trip.
- No carriage may be moved at a speed faster than a slow trot.
- No animal may be subjected to any condition or treatment which would impair the good health and/or physical condition of the animal.
- Between the dates of June 1 and August 31, no animal may work more than six hours in a 24-hour period, with 30 minute rest periods between each trip.
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Sec. 162-544
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- The harness must be oiled and cleaned so as to be soft at all times. It must be properly fitted and maintained.
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Sec. 162-545
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- Carriages must be properly lubricated and wheels should spin freely.
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Sec. 162-546
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- No driver may whip an animal with more than a light touch, with a whip approved by the SPCA.
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Sec. 162-547
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- Adequate water must be available in the working area at all times.
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Sec. 162-548
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- This section sets standards for the humane housing of the animals. If you are aware of inhumane housing conditions, call LISA.
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Sec. 162-549
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- Stands are to be maintained in a sanitary condition at all times.
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State & municipal anti-cruelty laws also address more general aspects of cruelty to all types of animals. For more information, contact LISA at (504) 366-8972, or
 click here for Louisiana State's anti-cruelty laws.
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