Animal rights group PETA Wednesday strongly pitched for banning horse drawn carriages in Mumbai, citing cruelty to the animal, and suggested it be replaced with battery-operated vehicles.

Forcing horses to pull carriages through congested traffic on stifling hot streets is not only cruel but also dangerous for the horses, carriage occupants and passers-by, said Manilal Valliyate, veterinary affairs director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.