20,000 Signatures Against Fiaker Carriages on Vienna Streets: Petition Handed to Mayor

20,000 Signatures Against Fiaker Carriages on Vienna Streets: Petition Handed to Mayor 20,000 signatures against fiaker horse carriages on Vienna streets were handed to Mayor Michael Ludwig. Learn the demands, reactions, and what comes next for Vienna's iconic carriages. Topics: News, Transport.

The debate over Vienna’s iconic fiaker carriages (horse-drawn carriages, known locally as Fiaker) has escalated dramatically. On July 2, 2026, the Austrian Animal Protection Association (Österreichischer Tierschutzverein, ÖTV) handed Mayor Michael Ludwig a petition with 20,000 signatures under the slogan “Fiaker raus aus dem Straßenverkehr” — Fiakers off the streets. Here is what the activists demand, how the city has reacted, and what the future holds for Vienna’s famous horse carriages.

What the 20,000 signatures demand

The petition contains two core demands. First: a complete ban on fiaker carriages in Vienna’s road traffic. Second: mandatory heat-free days (Hitzefrei) for the horses when temperatures exceed 30°C.

Campaign manager Jakob Innauer stated at the handover ceremony at City Hall that the 20,000 signatures are just the beginning. “We are convinced that many thousands more will follow,” Innauer said. “Whether fiaker carriages continue to operate on Vienna’s streets is not purely a scientific question, but above all a political decision. The responsibility lies with the city of Vienna.”

As MeinBezirk.at reports, the petition builds on years of activism that gained new momentum during the record-breaking June heatwave.

How the heatwave sparked the protests

June 2026 was one of the hottest on record in Vienna. Social media erupted with photos and videos showing fiaker horses standing on scorching asphalt under the blazing sun while their drivers sat in the shade under umbrellas.

A video filmed on June 25, 2026 at Stephansplatz (St. Stephen’s Square) went particularly viral. According to the ÖTV, the clip garnered around one million views within days. It shows horses waiting harnessed for passengers with no access to shade or water.

As Vienna.at notes, the debate has expanded far beyond animal welfare circles — ordinary Viennese residents and tourists are now demanding action.

Criticism of the city’s climate study

A major flashpoint is the city’s official position. The municipal government has pointed to a study titled “Pferdenutzung in Zeiten des Klimawandels” (“Horse Use in Times of Climate Change”) conducted by MA 60 — Veterinary Office and Animal Protection.

The ÖTV strongly disputes the study’s validity. The final data collection and test rides took place in mid-June 2026. The hottest days of late June, as well as July and August — the peak summer months most relevant to the research question — were not included. From the association’s perspective, this makes the study methodologically flawed and its conclusions unreliable.

20,000 signatures are just the beginning. Whether fiaker carriages continue to operate on Vienna’s streets is not purely a scientific question, but above all a political decision. The responsibility lies with the city of Vienna.

— Jakob Innauer, Campaign Manager, Austrian Animal Protection Association

SPÖ’s own election platform as leverage

In their official letter to Mayor Ludwig, the ÖTV drew attention to the SPÖ Vienna election platform. The document states that the welfare of fiaker horses should not be sacrificed for economic interests, and that Vienna seeks to protect every life — human, nature, and animals alike.

Activists interpret these commitments as an obligation to act. As The International reports, after decades of debate, Viennese residents expect concrete decisions rather than further promises.

The counterargument: cultural heritage vs. animal welfare

The petition faces powerful opposition. Vienna’s fiaker carriages have been part of the cityscape since the 17th century and are a major tourist attraction. Thousands of visitors book carriage rides through the historic center every year, generating significant revenue for operators and related businesses.

In 2024, the fiaker industry’s bid for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status was rejected — largely due to opposition from animal welfare organizations. Yet the fundamental question remains: can a centuries-old tradition be reconciled with modern animal welfare standards?

According to the Verein gegen Tierfabriken (VGT), each horse works up to 18 days per month in conditions involving city noise, exhaust fumes, and hard asphalt surfaces — all fundamentally at odds with the natural needs of hoofed animals.

What happens next

The ÖTV will continue collecting signatures to maintain pressure on the city government.

In parallel, Vier Pfoten (Four Paws) is running its own campaign, having collected over 80,000 signatures in previous years. The demands are identical: heat-free days above 30°C and a long-term ban on fiaker carriages in city traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who organized the petition against fiaker carriages? The Austrian Animal Protection Association (ÖTV) launched the petition under the title “Fiaker raus aus dem Straßenverkehr.” It is supported by Vier Pfoten (Four Paws) and the Verein gegen Tierfabriken (VGT).

How many signatures were collected and to whom were they handed? 20,000 signatures were handed personally to Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig on July 2, 2026, at City Hall.

What exactly are the demands? Two main demands: a complete ban on fiaker carriages in Vienna’s road traffic, and mandatory heat-free days for the horses when temperatures exceed 30°C.

Is a ban likely to happen? The decision is political and rests with the city of Vienna. Public pressure is growing, but the fiaker industry retains strong economic and cultural supporters.

Outlook: the future of Vienna’s fiakers

The fiaker controversy shows how the climate crisis is reshaping urban policy even in tradition-bound sectors. The 20,000 signatures are not an isolated protest but part of a broader societal shift toward stronger animal welfare standards in cities.

City Hall has yet to announce concrete measures. However, given the SPÖ’s own election platform pledges and rising public support for the petition, ignoring the demand is becoming increasingly difficult. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on this and other stories about life in Austria.