Grab offers free kalesa rides amid criticism from animal welfare group

In celebration of the National Language Month, Grab Philippines will offer free "Grab Kalesa" rides for people interested in touring Intramuros over the weekend.

A total of 10 horse-drawn carriages are available for passengers who want to avail of the service. Booking is done online through a special app and the pickup point for the free ride is at Plaza Roma. Each ride is limited to two passengers, to reduce the strain on the horse.

Dr. Ana Chavez said that the horses' undergo a checkup to make sure that they are healthy enough.

However, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) posted on Friday a notice to the public that the horses are treated poorly.

According to PAWS, they conducted seminars and clinics for cocheros in Intramuros in 2010, but despite their efforts, the working conditions for the horses did not improve.

"Kalesa operators should provide better care and follow the law.
Companies should not promote practices that are cruel and cite culture or tradition to defend it," PAWS wrote. "If you care for horses, please don't ride a kalesa." 

—AT/ALG, GMA News