Mysuru: Horse-drawn tongas were one of the few modes of transport at one time in the heritage city ferrying people from one place to another. It also used to act as goods vehicles as heavy materials would be loaded with the poor horse trying its best to negotiate the steep climbs even as the tongawallah used to coax it with his whip.

The days are long gone with the advent of the mean machines. However, the famous fancy tongas continue to operate attracting the tourists around the Mysore Palace and other tourist spots.

But whoever thought of health care for horses? This is where People For Animals (PFA), in association with Worldwide Veterinary Service, Ooty and Jeevan Daya Jain Organisation came in to organise a free health camp for horses. And the camp was specifically aimed at inspecting the health of tonga horses.

The camp was organised in front of Kote Anjaneyaswamy temple in the city and it was found that a majority of horses have swollen legs as a result of excessive walking.

More than 30 horses were examined during the one-day camp on Monday and free medicines were also distributed. Veterinarians from Australia, Finland and South Africa offered free service.