The Bombay High Court has scheduled final hearing of a PIL challenging plying of Victorias and horse drawn carriages in Mumbai on December 13.
A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and M S Sanklecha also modified its earlier order yesterday and said that unfit horses seized on city roads need not be taken to the police station, but can be handed over to two NGOs for their care.
The court also said that if the NGO wishes to keep the horse for more than a month, they will have to send a written communication to the owners.
The state said that 60 licenses had been renewed so far.
The court was hearing a PIL filed by Animals and Birds Charitable Trust which alleged that the horses were being housed in illegal stables in inhumane conditions.
Over-burdening the horses by carrying more passengers, malnutrition and lack of proper medical care were common problems, the PIL said.
The skin of the horses had burn marks from the limestone that is used to cover saddle wounds, while the metal spike placed in the mouth to rein them in would cause injuries, the PIL said.
There are 130 Victorias, 172 horses and 107 drivers in the city. Most of the horses are used for joyrides at Dadar Chowpatty, Marine Drive, Gateway of India and Juhu Beach.
