AustriaVienna has increased monitoring of Fiaker (horse-drawn carriage) horses during a heatwave, amid concerns over their welfare in extreme temperatures. Animal protection organizations have called for a ban on horse-drawn carriages when temperatures exceed 30°C, arguing that the current regulation—prohibiting operation above 35°C—is inadequate because measurements are taken in the shade rather than at Fiaker stands. Fiaker operators disagree, stating that horses are not exposed to direct sunlight for long periods and are more resilient to heat than humans. In response to the heatwave, the Spanish Riding School canceled morning sessions on August 4th and 5th due to high temperatures. Vienna’s veterinary authority (MA 60) conducts health checks on Fiaker horses, including monitoring breathing rate, sweating, and injuries. Authorities report that drivers generally comply with the 35°C rule by ceasing operations immediately when this threshold is reached. An independent study by the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna found that Fiaker horses demonstrate good heat tolerance, with no signs of heat stress observed.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives—animal rights groups calling for stricter regulations and Fiaker operators defending current practices—without overtly favoring one side. It includes data from official sources such as the city's veterinary authority and an academic study, providing balanced,事实
