Please see below.

1) Please outline what the process is now at the Commission and Council levels. (A presentation is made to them and they decide).

2) When will this go to Commission and Council? (Not sure.  We have to complete the draft first).

3) Provide rationale for new temperature and heat index levels and increased number of readings (The decision was based on over 20,000 data entries of ambient temperatures, heat indices, and internal horse temperatures to determine a temperature and heat index of when to cease carriage activities. The committee felt that this option would avoid fluctuating temperatures that commonly occur.)

4) Provide reason for failure to address guidelines for internal temperature of horses (This is already outlined in the ordinance-see below)

Sec. 29-212. – General health care and management requirements.

(g)

Weather conditions.

(1)

Carriage company operators and drivers shall use caution when working animals in adverse weather conditions such as high heat and humidity, snow, ice, heavy rain, and other slippery or reduced visibility situations.

(2)

When the ambient temperature reaches or exceeds eighty-five (85) degrees Fahrenheit at any point during the carriage company’s hours of operation, the carriage company operators shall implement a mandatory system of taking the rectal temperature of each working animal immediately after completing a tour. In the event an animal’s temperature reaches one hundred three (103) degrees Fahrenheit or above, the animal’s temperature shall be taken every fifteen (15) minutes until the animal’s temperature falls below one hundred three (103) degrees Fahrenheit before the animal is allowed to return to work.

(3)

When the rectal temperature of an animal reaches between 103—103.9 degrees Fahrenheit, the carriage company operator shall require the animal to be removed from service and be cooled down to a temperature of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit before returning them to engage in Work.

(4)

In the event that an animal’s rectal temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit or above the animal shall be taken out of service for the day and cooled down.

(5)

In the event an animal cannot be cooled down to a rectal temperature of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit within two (2) hours of the first 103 degree Fahrenheit or above rectal temperature recording, a veterinarian shall be immediately contacted to inspect the animal.

(6)

At any time when an animal’s rectal temperature reaches 105.0 or above, or if any animal shows signs of distress such as panting motions, thumping of the chest (synchronous diaphramic flutter), tying up, or stiffening of legs or back, muscle trembling, or colic, a veterinarian shall be immediately contacted to inspect the animal.

Dan Riccio | Director

City of Charleston|Department of Livability and Tourism