Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Sparked Public Backlash
An influencer's carriage ride has reignited debates over animal welfare and carriage bans.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Large Animals
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Influencer Ellidy Pullin faced public criticism from the activist account Warrior For Animals after sharing a video of a horse-drawn carriage ride during a family vacation in Europe. The footage sparked renewed discourse surrounding the ethical implications of using animals for transport.
Why it matters
The incident highlights an ongoing conflict between tourism practices and modern animal welfare standards. Activists argue that the industry poses significant safety and wellbeing risks to animals, prompting an increasing number of regions to implement formal prohibitions.
Belgium enacted a national ban on horse-drawn carriages in March 2026, while Melbourne previously banned the practice on CBD public roads in June 2022. These measures represent a shift against the industry that activists continue to highlight.
The players
Ellidy Pullin
An influencer who documented a family carriage ride in Europe.
Warrior For Animals
An activist organization that monitors and critiques animal-related tourism practices.
The details
The controversy emerged when the 34-year-old influencer shared an Instagram video of her ride with her daughter and mother. The account Warrior For Animals reshared the content, using it as a platform to call for wider bans. Concerns from advocates primarily center on the physical strain placed on horses and general safety risks inherent in navigating urban traffic.
Timeline
June 2022: Melbourne banned carriages on CBD public roads.
March 2026: Belgium enacted a national ban on horse-drawn carriages.
This week: Ellidy Pullin posted the carriage ride video.
The Home Front
This public reaction follows the pattern set by Belgium's 2026 national ban on horse-drawn carriages. The incident signals a growing regulatory trend that prioritizes animal welfare over traditional tourism and transit services.
When planning vacations, families should research local transportation laws regarding animal usage in the destination. Understanding the regulatory environment of a city can help travelers make informed decisions that align with their personal ethical standards.
The takeaway
The scrutiny surrounding carriage rides reflects a global shift in how the public perceives animal labor in leisure settings. Travelers can stay aware of these shifting standards by verifying if their destination city or country has instituted recent protections or prohibitions for working animals.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving standards of care for Large Animals.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mail Online.
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