§ 507. HORSE OR HORSE-DRAWN VEHICLE ANIMAL REGULATIONS.

(1) All horse-drawn vehicle animals shall weigh over 1,100 pounds and be fit for the purpose of powering a fully loaded horse-drawn vehicle. To determine fitness, each horse-drawn vehicle animal shall be examined every six months by a qualified veterinarian, who shall issue a report and send the report to both the Chief of Police and the Director of Animal Care and Control. The veterinarian report shall be made on a form approved by the Chief of Police. The report shall include, but is not limited to:

(i) The information required in Section 502.(4.)(a) of this Article;

(ii) Status of immunization, deworming and dental work;

(iii) Farrier status;

(iv) Drug tests and pregnancy tests for mares;

(v) Results of any other test deemed prudent by the veterinarian.

(2) The Chief of Police or the Chief's designee may immediately suspend the use of any horse-drawn vehicle animal and order a medical evaluation or specific treatment for the animal by a certified veterinarian. The Chief of Police or the Chief's designee may seek the advice of a qualified professional. A statement of findings must be provided from a certified veterinarian, qualified in horse treatment and care, and approved by the Chief of Police or the Chief's Designee prior to the animal returning to service. If the Department of Animal Care and Control receives a complaint regarding the condition or treatment of a horse-drawn vehicle animal, the Director of Animal Care and Control may have the horse examined by an Animal Care and Control employee and/or a certified veterinarian at any time without notice. All costs associated with medical tests, evaluations and treatments are the responsibility of the permit holder.

(3) No animal shall be used to power a vehicle in the City and County of San Francisco if the animal has an open sore or wound that would affect the animal's comfort or soundness.

(4) No animal shall be used to power a vehicle in the City and County of San Francisco unless the animal has hoofs that are properly shod and trimmed. Farrier records shall be kept for each animal.

(5) No animal shall be used to power a vehicle in the City and County of San Francisco unless the animal is groomed daily and has a healthy coat.

(6) No horse-drawn vehicle animal shall work more than five (5) consecutive days in a week or more than six (6) hours in any day or twenty-four (24) hour period per the Carriage Operators of North America's Rules of Operation. A horse-drawn vehicle animal shall have water made available during the entire work period.

(7) No horse-drawn vehicle animal shall work more than eight hours per day without being given water and rest for not less than two cumulative hours during the entire work period. Each horse-drawn vehicle animal shall be given water and rest for not less than fifteen (15) minutes during each working hour.

(8) All equipment used on the horse-drawn vehicle animal must be approved by the Director of Animal Care and Control or his or her designee prior to use. The equipment must be kept in good repair at all times. Other than normal blinders, no horse-drawn vehicle animal shall work with equipment causing any vision impairment. The harness shall be oiled and cleaned as to be soft at all times. It also shall be fitted, properly maintained, and free of makeshift connections such as wire, cloth or tape, except if emergency repair is necessary. No high port, long shank, or twisted wire bits shall be used on any horse-drawn vehicle animal.

(9) Whips may be used only in certain cases, and not excessively, to control the animal. Whips may not be used to inflict pain or suffering to any horse-drawn vehicle animal.

(10) Whenever animals are housed on asphalt, concrete or other hard surfaces the floors must be covered with rubber floor pads.

(11) Each horse-drawn vehicle animal shall be required to work ninety percent of the time at a walking gait, and no more than ten percent of the time at a trotting gait.

(Added by Ord. 238-98, App. 7/17/98; amended by Ord. 284-99, File No. 991587, App. 11/5/99)