Malecon Travel Guide

I cannot express to you the great sadness that overcame me when I saw the horses along the Malecon. This was my second trip to Santo Domingo. I had seen them before, but this time I was absolutely sickened by what I saw. I sobbed as I walked down the street. The horses are all severely malnourished; you can see their ribs and other bones. If these horses were in the United States, their owners/guardians would be charged with animal cruelty without a doubt and would probably serve time in prison. These horses are beaten and underfed. They are forced to run up and down the Malecon--a very busy and dangerous boulevard--from morning until night in the sun and extreme heat. Please--I beg of you--do not support this industry. Refuse to take a ride. Horse-drawn carriages may seem romantic, but no pleasure can be had while a living creature suffers. Please walk or take a taxi. Thank you