Out-of-work caleche drivers to file injunction against city

A girl gives a carrot to a horse in Old Montreal Wednesday, May 18, 2016 in Montreal. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson)

Montreal caleche drivers are planning to seek an injunction against the city that would allow them to continue to operate.

The year-long ban on the iconic horse-drawn carriages in Old Montreal begins on Tuesday.

“It's like he killed my family, my friends and my pet all in one shot,” said Michel Prince, who has been a caleche driver for 34 years. “I'm 62 years old. You think I’m going to find another job? I don't think so,” he said.

Just as uncertain is the future of many of the horses.

The City of Montreal is offering to help horse owners who want to give up their horses due to a moratorium on caleches.

The city says it has found some potential refuges that will agree to host to horses for free. Officials say they have already spoken to some of those stables.

Many owners say they refuse to take their horses to the refuges, because those people have been claiming caleche owners mistreat their animals.

“He's one of the best looking horses in the city. I won't send them to a refuge, no no no, you talk about a refuge, I'm freaking out,” said Boisvert.

The municipal government did not say it would offer any money to house the horses, however. It costs more than $5,000 per year to keep a horse.

“I’ve got three horses for my caleche, so I'll try to find out what's going to happen, but then if there's no revenue, I won't be able to keep them,” said caliche owner Alain Boisvert.

The city has offered to refund yearly permits to the drivers.

On Wednesday, Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre announced a one-year moratorium on caleches in Montreal streets after many incidents involving horses.

The moratorium, Coderre said, would give the city some time to study the safety of caleches for both the horses and people using them.

On Tuesday, caleche operators will protest at city hall as they file the injunction.

“I did something I love for my entire life. Many people -- I told them how great the city was. Do you think I'm going to keep telling them how the city is? Not really, no, because the city has no respect for me,” said Prince.