Here’s Why Horses Remain on Belize City Streets

Belize City Councillor Kaya Cattouse says the City Council lacks the “legal authority to enforce” action against horses being kept and raced in the city, despite growing public anger over repeated abuse cases.

“We are definitely not ignoring the issue,” she said. “The council has been documenting incidents, and we have been engaging in different interagency discussions and raising concerns with the relevant national authorities who are essentially responsible for animal welfare, public safety, and legislation.”

Recent images of injured and malnourished horses have renewed calls from animal welfare groups to remove horses from the city. Volunteer Michelle Rudon described the situation as ongoing cruelty and urged authorities to act immediately on this longstanding issue.

According to Cattouse, the problem extends beyond enforcement. “We are working to ensure that the issue is framed correctly, not just as an enforcement problem, but as a public safety, public health, animal welfare, and also youth development issue that requires a coordinated national response,” she said.

She explained that police action is limited due to the absence of clear laws and facilities. “There is no legislation where the police can just go and take away the horses… If the police take these animals, where will they put them?” she said.

Cattouse said meaningful action requires national legislation. “Once the proper legal framework is established, we are prepared to play our role in implementation,” she said.

The issue was formally raised at a City Council meeting in May. Since then, abuse cases have continued to surface.