A calèche horse collapsed and died Sunday in Montreal’s Old Port, and could be seen for about two hours until its body was removed. There is now widespread indignation after shocking photos of the incident circulated on social media.
Zeus, a calèche horse belonging to Montreal’s “Calèche King” Luc Desparois, was reportedly overcome by a couching fit before collapsing to the ground. His driver, Shanna Lalonde, tried to save the animal’s life by unloading the calèche and its passengers, but in vain. Zeus had reportedly been sick with a cold in the previous weeks, she said, but had been off-duty to allow him to recuperate.
A citizen shared a photo of the collapsed horse in a Facebook group, “Anti-calèche defense coalition,” where it garnered hundreds of disgusted comments calling for an end to calèches in Montreal.
WARNING: Some readers may find this image disturbing. Scroll down at your own risk.
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Mr. Desparois’ company, Services de calèches et traîneaux Lucky Luc, has the local monopoly of calèches in Montreal. Lucky Luc has come under fire recently for its alleged mistreatment of its horses. Its stables have been found to be unsanitary, for which the MAPAQ fined the company $600 in 2016. Some ex-employees have also accused Lucky Luc of injecting injured horses with powerful anti-inflammatories to keep them working.
Valérie Plante’s administration has vowed to end the practice of calèche-driving by 2020. Mr. Desparois intends to fight the city in court to continue operating his business.
Sunday, police handed over the investigation about Zeus’ death to the SPCA. They are expected to release a statement today.