Paris Bans Children from Riding Ponies

Starting in 2025, Paris will prohibit children from riding ponies in its public parks, following a campaign launched by animal rights activists who claim that ponies are not treated well. Animal rights activist Amandine Sonsivans stated, "Ponies are not toys. Children do not learn anything about them from riding; they do not develop an emotional bond. This turns ponies into mere entertainment objects." A petition by the animal rights group to ban riding ponies in parks gathered 8,400 signatures. Last month, the city council decided to revoke the licenses of pony ride operators. However, Paris residents who take their children for pony rides are skeptical about the enforcement of the ban. Animal rights groups have campaigned for years to prohibit pony rides, stating that these animals work long hours without rest, do not receive fresh water and constant hay, and suffer for hours inside trucks transporting them to the city.