Starvation looms for Morocco’s horses as tourism collapses

MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) — Morocco’s restrictions to counter the coronavirus pandemic have taken a toll on the carriage horses in the tourist mecca of Marrakech. Some owners are struggling to feed them. An animal protection group says hundreds of Morocco’s horses and donkeys face starvation amid the collapsing tourism industry. A single horse carriage in Marrakech supports four to five families including owners, drivers and stable boys. One driver who was waiting in vain for a fare says “we’re really scared by how bad this can get.” The North African kingdom closed its doors to outsiders after the first virus case was confirmed March 2. It also issued a ban on domestic travel to eight cities, including Marrakech.