The SPCA is calling on the city of Montreal to phase out horse-drawn carriages.

It's launched a campaign called "Downtown is no place for horses," saying the animals are frequently required to pull carriages for nine hours a day, seven days a week, in all kinds of weather.

The animal welfare agency says pulling carriages is "a subsidized form of animal cruelty" and is urging people to sign a petition on their website.

The issue of caleche horses was highlighted last month when a photo made the rounds on social media showing a horse that had fallen in Old Montreal.

Shanna Lalonde has worked as a caleche driver for 15 years in the streets of Old Montreal. She's aware her business has a bad reputation among animal lovers but said she thinks that perception is wrong.

“Some animals are well treated and there's a good way to work with a horse. Everybody should learn that way,” she said.

Luc Desparois operates half the caleche permits in the city. He's been under fire lately, accused of neglecting his horses, because some have worked during last week's intense heat-wave while another was injured while working. He accused the SPCA and animal rights activists of spreading lies about the caleche industry.

“My point is public opinion is being wrongly informed by these people, I guess making trouble about [the industry] and making it their main hobby,” he said.

The image prompted the mayor to call for a report into the health of caleche horses and said report concluded the horses have never been healthier.

The SPCA disagrees with the findings, and points to a 2012 report indicating many horse had breathing problems.  

Even if an increasing number of large cities in Europe and North America are banning caleches, Mayor Denis Coderre said he is not willing to stop the practice.

“It's very emotional some people will say they don't have anything to do there. And they say New York is doing it. Well we're not New York and I think the horses are part of our signature. But not at any cost and I’ll make sure we're protecting those horses,” he said.