Horse Advocates Seek Carriage Ban
For Immediate Release
Contact: Edita Birnkrant, Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages
Tel: 917. 940.2725
Calling for Decency and Public Safety, Horse Advocates Seek Carriage Ban
NEW YORK, NY — A coalition including Friends of Animals and others striving to ban horse-drawn carriages once again urges Mayor Bloomberg and the New York City Council to pass legislation that would end the dangerous carriage horse industry in New York City.
The latest accident occurred on Friday, April 28th on Central Drive near 64th St. in Central Park: A frightened horse bolted into a 71-year-old bicyclist, who was hospitalized with injuries, as well as the driver of the carriage, who sustained an injured knee.
Occurring only three months after the tragic accident in January that severely injured a carriage driver and left a horse dead, the incident shows that public safety and decency are compromised by carriage horses in the streets.
Why ban horse-drawn vehicles in New York?
Many modern cities — Toronto, Paris, London, and others — have taken an enlightened approach, ending the tradition of animal-drawn vehicles. Animals do not belong in commercial activity that forces them to compete with heavy traffic or be exposed to harsh elements. These reasons apply as strongly in New York City as they do anywhere in the world.
Why not just allow animal-drawn carriages at Central Park?
John Phillips, Executive Director of League of Humane Voters, and a founding member of the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages, explains, “Central Park is filled with bicyclists, runners, children and pedestrians, in addition to cars and taxis—no place for carriage horses. We can’t wait for yet another tragedy to occur before the Mayor and City Council address this problem seriously.”
Horses travel to and from the stables located on 9th and 10th Avenues, between W. 37th and W. 52nd Streets. Keeping commercial horse activity adjacent to Central Park, as Council Member Tony Avella’s recently proposed legislation seeks to do, fails to acknowledge that horses would still travel this congested corridor — also a route for emergency vehicles to and from St. Vincent’s Midtown Hospital and Roosevelt Hospital, and a conduit for many vehicles going to the Lincoln Tunnel or the West Side Highway. The horrific accident in January happened on this very route back to the stables from Central Park.
Avella’s legislation focuses on regulating the activity and not ending it. The historical urge to reform the horse-drawn carriage industry is a dangerous pattern.
Regulating the practice won’t stop public safety problems. And it seeks to sustain a disrespectful practice that needs to be ended.
The Coalition has drafted legislation to effectively phase out this industry and seeks to have current horses adopted to protect them from kill auctions.
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26 Comments
On May 4, 2006, Edita Birnkrant wrote:
The Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages, and supporters, will be educating the public on Saturday, May 6th, from 12pm-4pm, at the Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park, at 59th St.
Many carriage-horses are stationed here, and pick up passengers for rides, making it a perfect spot to hand out our “What’s Wrong With Horse-Drawn Carriages in NYC’ educational flyers. We will also be getting signatures from New Yorkers and tourists who support a ban, which will be collected and given to New York City Council Member Gale Brewer, who represents District 6—the area the carriage-horses preside. With enough public support, we can convince the Mayor and the City Council to pass legislation that would end the dangerous carriage horse industry in New York City.
Last week’s accident in which a frightened horse ran out of control of his carriage and collided with a 71 year-old bicycle rider in Central Park—resulting in the man’s hospitalization-came just three months after another tragic accident in which a horse again ran out of control and collided with a station wagon, causing serious injuries to the driver of the carriage, and resulted in the horse, named Spotty, being killed.
Volunteers who would like to help educate the public on Saturday are welcome. Contact Edita Birnkrant, at 212-247-8120 for more info.
Edita Birnkrant
Friends of Animals
On May 22, 2006, Linda Parella wrote:
This is horrible. Horses belong on Farms not in big cities full of traffic. I cannot believe this is not against the
law. These poor horses are terrified of cars and trucks beeping and making noise all day long. I don’t believe horses
should be doing this at all. If they have too they should be in the park and the park ONLY!!!!!!
How can you expect these animals to do this day in and day out without being frightened constantly.
There has to be laws to protect these animals.
[Blog editors’ note: Best overall idea is to leave free-living horses on public lands rather than rounding them up to be privately owned and discarded. That respects their freedom and gets them out of ownership racket.
Linda Parella
Union, New Jersey
On May 25, 2006, Melissa wrote:
This isn’t right! I work with horses, I help them when they are hurt, sick, whatever-this is hurting them.
Where I am now they barely act like horses, they are used to cars, and loud noises. I can only imagine, how they would feel everyday in a CITY!
I hope this stops, this is not right at all!
I ask that if someone who can fix this is reading my comment, to PLEASE do something.
When I was 12 I saw a horse being slaughtered, I can never forget that horse that died, I used to ride her when I was 9 years old. Now she is gone.
SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE!!!!
On June 5, 2006, Nicole wrote:
If we are to save the carriage horses of NEW YORK, then think again about the horses used in NY that carry police. They also have to deal with the day to day street traffic, noise, and more. It’s one thing to save carriage horses, another to save all animals that are used in any big city…even by the police.
On June 25, 2006, Katie wrote:
I’m sick of watching the news and checking this website to find out there was another crash and a horse died. I am 12 yrs old I have never ridden a horse before and they’re all gonna be dead if things keep going the way they do!I cannot belive that this is happening, and the issues with the cops on horses I think they should get bikes or trucks, something like that. Not living animals they might have a earlier death than other horses or mules or any animal for that matter normally do because of all the pollution and risk of some student driver or a car out of control to hit them and they might have to be put down or they’ll die a painfull death it’s horrible either way and I don’t think it’s fair the way People treat all animals with abuse or as food! That’s why I am praying that NYC will sign that petition and stop what’s happening to these amazing magnificent creatures!!Animals ARE NOT city creatures they shouldn’t need to inhale these fumes all day just for peoples enjoyments or for money!!
On July 18, 2006, Alexza wrote:
What about some of the horses that are TOO SMALL to be pulling such a heavy carriage? I keep seeing one horse in my neighborhood who has severe weight loss due to work that is too strenuous. He looks as if his body is breaking down his muscles protein to provide fuel for his body to keep working and working and working. I worked with horses for years so I know what overwork and underfeeding look like. He can’t wait for a ban on carriages to be passed. He needs help right now. Does this fall under animal abuse since he is not physically suited to the work that he is doing? Can anybody out there help me to help him?
On July 18, 2006, Mary Moody wrote:
I thought with the invention of automobiles that there would be no need for using horses to transport people around, but I guess not, horses don’t belong in busy streets anymore, not with the cars, buses, and don’t forget the pollution and all that noise and confusion. It’s just not right, I think that the horses have done enough and been exploited far to long, stop this at once, for once the human race should show some compasion to the animals just as they have done for us,undeserving though we are.
On July 26, 2006, Nicole Lachance wrote:
I don’t think New-York City streets is a place for horses to pull carriages either except in the Park. But, I was thinking about Amish people that are still using horse-drawn vehicles to go to doctors, shopping etc… How long before they stop them too? I’m Canadian, will they eventually get rid of the Canadian Mounted Police too? Once they stop carriages, some people will take it further.
On September 10, 2006, Anita Gerami wrote:
As a owner of the largest fleet of horse drawn carriages in NYC,and hte building they live in,these above comments are obviously made by some fanatical ill informed people.These horses are treated better than most”pleasure horses”,they are kept under 24 hr stable staff 24/7,they have Vets on 24 hr call,by their owners,they must pass a health exam before being licensed,and are regularly checked by local authorities.Owners,have the horses teeth checked 2x a yr,they are are shod every 6 wks,and are up to date on vaccinations,and deworming schedule.We have our own farm,where we rotate our working horses,and wonderful retirement homes to relocate them,when its time to retire.This is a factual comment,not these nightmare stories,that are told by extremists.
On September 12, 2006, Anita Gerami wrote:
I think you shoulld be somewhat fair,and post people who actually own and operate horse drawn carriages in NYC.Yesterday,i emailed a comment explaining things 1st hand the real truth to maybe educate interested parties,about our industry,but i see i was never printed.Come on now,this is another valid email address with a realistic view,maybe it cuts down on donations to your organization,but to really help the horses show another side to your accusations.This comment is being copied and mailed to the local newspapers to display how unfair,and 1 sided and unfairly you accuse our business,and most of all our horses!
[Blog editors’ note: We publish dissenting views; there is no reason to think people will not support us because we publish yours. We do, however, firmly disagree with your viewpoint. Understand that we are an animal-rights group, and we take a dim view of exploiting other animals for profit.]
On October 30, 2006, ava wrote:
I think you people are total idiots. Horses love being horses and they should be allowed to do what they love and one of the things they love is pulling carriages. I am speaking from horse country and for horses since I speak horse and I know and understand horses and what they like and dislike. MOst of you idiots don’t even have a clue and I am sure don’t speak horse or understand them or their language. They are not people they are horses!
Blog Editor’s Note:
“NAY!”
On December 14, 2006, Paul wrote:
The horse drawn carriages in central park are well-regulated and well-treated. They cannot work more than 9 hours a day, and various city agencies often audit the drivers, making sure of this. The horses all have papers, and the drivers all have licenses. The ASPCA is always in the Central Park stables; these animals aren’t mistreated.
On January 13, 2007, Fathima Beckmann wrote:
I am currently in New York visiting from South Africa. Walking South from 65th Str down past Central Park I passed a horse & carriage with the driver who put a bucket of oats in front of the horse. As the horse started to eat a few oats starting falling out of the bucket, this seemed to annoy the driver as he cussed, then pulled the bucket away and slapped the horse. This is so sad to see. Animals are here to live with us in a harmonious existence however many humans have forgotten this and treat animals disrespectfully. The problem lies within us and we need to take ownership of this and make a difference through education and changing environments for the betterment of animals and us in a respectful co-existence. I fully support the approach to ban horse-drawn carriages in this city. This environment of traffic, congestion, noise & concrete is just not suitable for horses to live in. Please join us in supporting this much needed cause. Namaste.
On January 22, 2007, Sherrie wrote:
Over the holiday I went into the City to view the shops’ Christmas Windows. I had not spent time walking around the City for some time. It seemed that on every corner while waiting for the traffic light I had to witness horse drawn carriages that would pull their horses right up (about 1 foot) from the car, bus or taxi in front of them. While waiting for the traffic light to turn these poor animals had to stand there in a cloud of exhaust fumes. It was shameful to see that the City of New York allows these carriages to continue to abuse these horses, just for the “entertainment” of tourists. NY now has many rickshaws available and the need for these horse drawn carriages is not a necessity to get around the city. HORSES (for pleasure) DO NOT BELONG IN THE CITY.
Does anyone know of a group that is actively working for this cause? Please let me know. I want on-board!
On January 23, 2007, Edita Birnkrant wrote:
In January 2006, Friends of Animals helped found a coalition whose goal is enacting legislation to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City.
Actions You Can Take
1. Boycott the Carriage Horse Industry. Educate friends and family to the reality of this industry. FoA created the informative ‘What’s Wrong With Horse-Drawn Carriages in NYC’ flyers to sustain the boycott and advise people how to advance the effort to enact a ban. Flyers can be obtained by writing to Edita at edita@friendsofanimals.org
2. Contact NYC Mayor Bloomberg at www.nyc.gov or call 311 and leave a message of strong support for the effort to end New York’s horse-drawn carriage industry.
3. New Yorkers should contact their City Council member at: www.nyccouncil.info and ask them to support legislation that will end the horse-drawn carriage industry.
4.Petitions to be delivered to the City Council and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, urging legislation that would ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City, are available to volunteers.
On March 13, 2007, Alex Gerami wrote:
As immigrant to the usa,i saw horses that really work,pulling heavy loads all day up and down the mountains larger than themselves.The Carriage horses i have seen in NYC,Philadelphia,Chicago,all seen very well cared for and seem to enjoy their job.Work horses are not always abused horses,look at the horses in Greece,Mexico,and the Carribean,you’ll see what abused horses really look like.
FoA comments:
Friends of Animals does not recognize an acceptable level of abuse of animals. If you study the Carriage Horse industry thoroughly, you will conclude that its exploition of animals is inherently abusive. That some animals may be more abused in other countries or doing other work is not an excuse to abuse other animals.
On March 21, 2007, T wrote:
I walked along CP South today and saw one of the carriage drivers give his thirsty horse a can of Sunkist orange soda! The poor horse looked so dehydrated. He drank that soda as if his life depended upon it.
I was also shocked and disgusted when I observed a different driver briefly lift the cloth cover around a horse’s neck to spray some type of medicine (or who knows if it was just water or alcohol?) on a serious wound (the size of an apple) and quickly cover it again. The license plate on the carriage was HC 1171.
Ms. Edita Birnkrant - I will do everything you suggested in the January 23rd post above. It broke my heart and disturbed me to see the horses in such poor condition. A lot of them looked as if they were exhausted and/or sedated. It is so obvious when you look into their glazed over eyes. I do not believe New Yorkers would allow this type of abuse to continue if they were aware of the crisis.
Please continue to bring awareness to this crisis. God bless you for your efforts!
On March 24, 2007, Alireza Gerami wrote:
To answer fao,these carriage horses are sincerly loved by their owners and drivers.Some horses actually lkike the taste of soda,and the drivers play with their horses and give it to them as a treat like carrots.By obviously you see what you want,and it will never be in a positive light.As for cab #1171,shame on you for not reporting it to the aspca,and if you feel right,make your name public onm the complaint so its taken seriously.
On May 8, 2007, Arianna Futerfas wrote:
Horse drawn carriages must be banned from New York City. I am a sincere horse lover and advocate, and I think that although it is nice to hear everyone’s views and experiences, we really have to work faster. This is one of the many steps involved in eliminating horse slaughter and mistreatment in the US.
On May 10, 2007, Anita Gerami wrote:
This above person,makes no sense,carriage horses and horse slaughter or mistreatment has no connection with eachother at all.To accuse with no facts and figures,leaves the industry with a very likeable legal course as slander,so when someone points fingers,they better sign their REAL name,and back it with some solid evidence,and be ready to face a lawsuit.
[Blog editors’ note: If they back it up with solid evidence, what kind of lawsuit would they face? Is there a new legal cause of action for backing one’s statements up with evidence?]
On May 14, 2007, Deb Moncayo wrote:
As a horse owner and having known several owners of horse drawn carriages, I believe your version of the stories is just that, isolated incidents. Most owners of the animals, love and care for them as is a treasured pet. First of all, most horses are not run on pavement, they are walked, and they have shoes on. I would like to see them in areas where there is less congestion, that I do agree. However, to completely ban horse drawn carriages is absurd. So now your going to tell me that the Clydsedales are next on your list. I do agree that NYC is not the place to have them though.
On May 16, 2007, ellie wrote:
I read in one of your pamphlets that a horse named “Juliete” collapsed in Central Park, then the owner started ‘beating’ (I think that word is an exaggeration) the horse, and “he said he was doing this on the advice of his vet”. This could very well be. You’ve probably never seen a horse with colic, but they want to lay down. however, if they do lay down, that can be VERY dangerous to their health. I would be willing to bet that the driver was worried about his horse. and then you portray him as a criminal.
[Blog editors’ note: It can also be VERY dangerous to their health to be forced to get up and continue. And it was. We hope that the writer doesn’t actually think the above objection makes a case in support of horses in the city. Juliette’s sad story serves as yet another reason not to perpetuate this custom.]
On May 21, 2007, tanner smith wrote:
…I’ve been a carriage owner since 1993 and very proud of it. My horses are well cared for. Lacking in nothing and very beautiful. I’m sure there are people who push their animals too far however the city I work in our owners all care about their horses as part of the family. Most carriage owners are horse lovers and these horses lack for nothing. We work an average of 3/days week and rotate our horses also. Your taking the worse case senieros and blowing things out of porportions. Most owners care deaply.
On July 20, 2007, 505 wrote:
I’ve worked in the industry for almost 7 years in a mid sized city. I agree with alot of what you people say, but your overzealous approach needs rethinking. How about offering to work with companies in the industry to improve standards? How about working with the SPCA to ensure that animals get properly treated (as most horses in this industry do). Instead you try to sink people’s livelyhoods and destroy them financially. You are never going to get any support from the industry by doing this, and therefor you are going to end up helping alot less animals. Think about it.
I do not own a company but am an employee. We ALL care deeply about the safety and wellbeing of our animals. Owners need to be held to greater account than they already are in some cities and they should have to submit their animals for voluntary exams on a regular basis. I also agree that we should make every effort to keep them out of busy downtown areas and concentrate rather on residential or park areas as suitable places to operate. There are bound to be accidents in this industry and rarely does it end with a horse or a person dying. I love you people who complain about horses breathing in car fumes when you walk your kids past the same toxic smoke day in and day out. Less hypocrisy and more co-operative action would be in the best interests of everyone on both sides of this argument.
On July 26, 2007, Truepic wrote:
Note to horse lovers, horse slaughter is illegal now….read the paper.
I am the owner of a small horse and carriage company in a larger city. I can honestly tell you that there needs to be major improvements on the way Animal Care and Control and the city regulates the care of the horses. I’ll be 100% forth comming, it’s hard to be in this industry at times becuase of the way others keep and maintain their carriages and carriage horses.
I can tell you that our horses are loved and so well cared for…..better than some of the children in the city I live in….and that is gross. I have been fighting to see improvements in my city for a long time and have yet to see anyone take a stand here for the truly poorly cared for horses….I know it is easy to lump everyone in to the same catergory and lable us as animal abusers but not all horse and carriage owners are evil tyrants who only care about money……i assure you that.
FoA comments:
Even if your horses, or any animals, receive the best possible care, that high level of care does not justify their exploitation by you or other humans.
And though you claim your horses receive better care than some humans, what happens to your horses or other carriage horses when they can no longer pull a carriage? Are they retired to lush pastures for the rest of their lives, or do they make a trip to the slaughterhouse?
On August 10, 2007, Chantal Belsheim wrote:
Re: Central Park Horses
Who do I contact regarding a complain re: a horse (carriage number/license 1075) barely able to walk up 8th avenue , exhausted in the middle of traffic at 12 midnight on thursday 8/10.