Two years ago animal experts warned that allowing horses and carriages on the streets of Hamilton was "an accident waiting to happen".

Dr. Andrew Madeiros, chairman of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said last night's events had "justified" the organisation's concerns.

Addressing a Hamilton Rotararians' luncheon in August 2005, Dr. Madeiros spoke of the "unpleasant environment" horses had to operate in.

"The animals are suffering," he said, referring to traffic congestion, heat and pollution. "We feel the time has come to re-evaluate the use of horses in the City."

Dr. Madeiros added: "I feel it will happen — either a very bad accident with somebody killed or a horse will collapse right outside of a cruise ship and there will be a huge outcry."

Last night it seemed his worst fears had come true.

Although an inspector said the horses were unhurt, Dr. Madeiros said the injuries to bystanders were "very regrettable".

"This has been a concern of ours," he said. "I don't know if these were horses used to being in town or not, but

they are large and powerful animals, they can be scared and spooked, so controlling them can then become a challenge.

"Certainly, the comments I made have been justified," he said. "We've been concerned about the carriage industry for years, and with parades or whatever, there's always the potential for injury.

"We've been very public in stating that we feel Hamilton during the day isn't an appropriate place for animals to be in the summer. With the heat, congestion, the people and the traffic it's just a recipe for an accident.

"Then bring in Harbour Nights with a ship and all those people. When you think about the crowds, the noise and the entertainment, it adds a whole different factor to the animals being there in the evening."

Dr. Madeiros said: "This does warrant an investigation. People need to look at what has happened and whether there are things that can be done differently to prevent this from happening again."