Group Looks to Outlaw Horse Carriages
By: JESSE BUCHANAN, Special to the Herald
WETHERSFIELD - To most, a carriage ride is romantic, quaint and relaxing.
To others, it’s cruel and exploitative.
The town’s plan to provide horse-drawn carriage rides in Old Wethersfield is being opposed by the animal-rights group Friends of Animals, based in Darien.
“This practice attracts tourists but at the expense of living beings,” said Joan Lownds, Friends of Animals staff writer. “It’s just not necessary.”
A carriage ride may not be necessary, but in a town that prides itself on its historical and aesthetic value, it makes perfect sense.
The purpose is “to enhance the visitor experience, and the residents’ experience as well,” said Peter Gillespie, director of planning and economic development. The rides will be guided, directing architecture and history buffs to sites of interest.
Edita Birnkrant is Friends of Animals’ campaign coordinator for the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages in New York City, and is working with the Wethersfield campaign.
While she has concerns about the safety of the horse, drivers and passengers, her underlying disagreement is more philosophical - and extreme. Birnkrant says her primary concern is the “disrespect” to horses carriage rides communicate.
“It’s the idea that we have the right to force any animal to do what we want. They’re not here to pull carriages for us,” she said.
Respect for Birnkrant is to “not intervene” in the lives of animals. “They exist for their own reasons, we don’t have to know why,” Birnkrant said.
She sees animal rights as the logical continuation of the civil rights and women’s rights movements.
“We’ve evolved past human slavery,” Birnkrant said.
The Friends of Animals group holds that all use of animals by people is wrong. They advocate veganism and offer a vegan cookbook called “Dining With Friends.”
Town manager Bonnie Therrien signed a $25,000 grant from the state July 19 for funding the rides, and advertisements for bids on the contract will go out Aug. 20. The winning bidder will be announced at the Town Council meeting in September.
Therrien has received nearly a dozen letters in opposition to the proposed carriage rides on the grounds of animal rights, and Lownds called councilman Martin Walsh to ask how the horses will be handled. Walsh doesn’t know, as a contractor has not been named yet, but said residents are free to voice their concerns at council meetings where the issue could arise.
“It seems to me horses have pulled carriages for a long time, but I’ll certainly listen to their concerns,” Walsh said.
Gillespie is trying to accommodate those concerns, requiring applicants for the contract to provide information about the care of the horses.
“One of the criteria is the welfare of the animals,” he said.
The town intends to go through with the project, providing they find an operator for the rides.
“These operations occur all over the country,” Gillespie said.
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27 Comments
On July 30, 2007, Maj. PJD Allatt, USAF (Ret) wrote:
Re: Wethersfield carraiges
1) It is ridiculous to allow such nonsense to aid the town in this way !!
2) Why is the State giving them $25000 of our money for this purpose ?
You should set-up an address of our Hartford Reps. so we can blast them
On July 30, 2007, Shirley Campbell wrote:
I lived in New York City for many years and often took walks through Central Park. On one occassion the temperature was 105 and a carriage driver was pushing his horse much too hard. The horse fell to the ground and the driver proceeded to whip him and tried to make him get up. Unfortunately the horse died at the scene from dehydration and heat. It was a terrible sight I will never forget. The people around the horse were trying to stop him from hitting the animal and he just got even more angry…
On July 30, 2007, Tamaira wrote:
i never thought about it like this but now i see whats happening and it needs to STOP!!
On July 30, 2007, Concerned Individual wrote:
I think this is completely asinine. Why bother having horses or any pets what so ever if you cannot enjoy them. To me riding and carriage driving are not abusive…when the animal is cared for properly.
If you don’t like it Joan..then don’t support it.
At what point are we going to with this? The people who I know who have horses that they trail ride, show, and compete with give their horses the best care.
I think there are more important animal cruelty issues to be dealt with then carriage horses.
What about the dog fighting rings? Or animal testing?
If you agree with Joan I think you really need to re evaluate things.
What is this world coming to!
[Blog editors note: Please remember that posts are taken more seriously when writers have the courage of their convictions and identify themselves, as the Friends of Animals activists did. Thank you for considering the points made in the article.]
On July 30, 2007, Pat wrote:
I was born and raised in NYC and I totally disapprove of horse and carriage rides. The poor dear horses are used as beasts of burden. It’s all about the money. Not to mention the traffic. How many times have we seen a horse bolt in traffic. This is cruel punishment for the horse. Remember, this is the city not a lovely country road. Outlaw this practice please!!!!!!!!!!
On July 30, 2007, Pat wrote:
This is my second comment. I do not think money should be given for this practice.
On July 30, 2007, Tony wrote:
Certainly, no animal should be abused or pushed too hard. Having said that, Wethersfield is NOT NYC, and any comparison between the two towns is laughable at best. Are horserides necessary in this case? No, of course not. But human beings have a long-standing relationship with horses, as well as other domesticated animals. As long as there is no abuse going on, this should not be an issue. Put your energy into saving the abused animals, and human beings who are sick, abused, homeless, and in poverty.
On July 30, 2007, Lorie wrote:
Are you kidding me? Protests such as this is why people view Friends of the animals and similar groups with a jaundiced eye. I grew up with horses, dogs and cats for that matter. We’re not talking animal animal abuse here. The NYC examples of animal abuse,the overworking to the point of dehydration,whipping etc. is an example of someone who has little to no regard for animals and needed to be charged with animal abuse. Not everyone who has a working relationship with animals is abusive. That needs to be recognized. If we want to be taken seriously when there are cases of abuse and neglect then we need to seriously consider which issues we blow a gasket about.
On July 30, 2007, Jared wrote:
Oh, come on, really the horses are deeply cared for and treated better than some people! Hell what is next, tell the Amish that they need to quit the horse and buggy because it is bad for the horse? Or what about the horses the Border Patrol uses, IN THE DESERT. I ride a horse, want to come after me too, really it will never end.
On July 30, 2007, Janet Hoedl wrote:
I have owned and breed Arabians for 37 yrs. I have a mare that loves pulling a carriage and several that got jealous if they were not the horse going for a ride. If horses are given the respect and care they deserve, they interact well with people and enjoy being busy. Domesticated cared for horses live long happy lives these days.
On July 31, 2007, Ellie wrote:
Exploiting conscious living beings for whatever purpose an owner deems appropriate is abuse in and of itself. In their natural state, horses run free. They mate when and with whom they please. They have families. They socialize in their group. They own themselves! That horses have long been our property; that some are treated well; that Wethersfield is not NYC, doesn’t change the fact that our ownership denies their right to experience their lives on their own terms. Instead of controlling horses, we should be controlling our selfish interest in beings who rightfully belong to their own world, not ours.
On July 31, 2007, augustus wrote:
I know people who have carriages and wangons. In Upstate New York we have a historic site with a vehicle free 5 mile road. There are two companies which use draft animals to haul gear an d canoes to the site. These people love their animals. Living in Saratoga, horses are a way of life. I have worked with them at a college stable. If this town has no traffic problems I see no problem. The NYC incidents mentioned are the minority, and the people involved should be punished. Yet, I find most horse owners love their animals, as do most handlers. Thank you for the forum.
On July 31, 2007, Laura Klein wrote:
First of all I would definitely like my oppposition to the use of horses for the purpose of pulling carriages known.
Unfortunately, I know first hand the treatment these horses receive. My best friend purchased one of these horses at a slaughter auction for $75.00. He was several hundred pounds underweight, his hooves were in such poor condition that they were twice the normal lenghth, having actually grown around the shoes. It was very painful for him to walk, much less pull a carriage, but that was actually what he had to do until the day before he was auctioned. If it hadn’t been for my friend’s compassion for this horse,who had obviously never received any before, he would have been bought by the “meatman” and sent to slaughter.
People need to put themselves in the horse’s situation and see what it would be like to to be deprived of adequate food and water, forced to pull several hundred pounds all day in 100 degree weather, in the hot sun, inhaling exhaust fumes, and see how they would like it.
Doesn’t the quality of these horses’ lives count for anything?
On July 31, 2007, Tony wrote:
Yes, the quality of the horses lives certainly does count. Again, there is no excuse for mistreatment of a horse. Unless you are living in the wilderness with no single piece of modern living (including a computer), you have NO reason to talk about the use of horses or any other animal. Without horses, mules, oxen, and other animals, we are not where we are technologically at this point in time. I believe that God provided animals for us to use respectfully and appropriately, and no matter what any of you say, you can’t force your beliefs upon other people. Go live in the woods among the animals.
[Blog editors’ note: We can only be thankful that identical objections and criticisms did not always prevail when human groups who have been used throughout history demanded respect.]
On August 1, 2007, Joyce wrote:
I agree that this should be outlawed. I was in NYC just a month ago and it was extremely hot and humid…as I walked past Central Park I couldn’t believe that these horses were still working. We are far more advanced than we were in the 1800’s…and there is no sound reason why we should be using horses in this selfish way.
In order to make our world a better place we must start practicing love, kindness and compassion for all living things.
On August 1, 2007, Jacquelyn wrote:
The Town of Wethersfield should not bring back the horse and buggy days. Horses and traffic do not mix. It is a recipe for disaster, as the horses natural defense action to bolt and run when frightened. For instance,have you noticed the loud mufflers on cars and motorcycles or the too frequent fire crackers in the summertime?
The Town should check into its insurance policies because Towns can and will be sued when a horse bolts causing accidents. Are they aware that horses and carriages are being banned in cities here and in other countries. Putting any Town at risk for such lawsuits is not a sound decision. The people in Wethersfield and the horses deserve better.
On August 2, 2007, Elizabeth - Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages - NYC wrote:
The state and people of Connecticut are being taken for a ride — and it is not on a pedicab. $25,000 — to fund a private carriage horse company?! Is Old Wethersfield so desperate for the tourist dollar that they have to stoop this low? Doesn’t the State have anything worthy to spend it on? Bonnie Therrien, the town manager of Old Wethersfield, either received bad information when she decided to add horse carriage tours to the town — or someone knows someone who wants to make some money exploiting horses for profit — i.e. providing carriage rides. Horses are living breathing beings who require a lot of care. They are expensive to maintain. Has the town set up regulations to govern the operation of the tours and the well being of the horses while they work and where they are stabled? Is there a program to retire them when they are spent — or will they go to the auctions and possibly to slaughter while a new younger horses gets enslaved for the job. Has the town set up a fund to pay out claims when there are accidents — when the first horse spooks and runs down a child? It happened recently in St. Petersburg, Russia — the mayor’s daughter was killed in a carriage accident — and earlier this year — a young girl was trampled by horses in Phoenix — she died, too. Or will it just be willy nilly? Everyone to himself with the carriage owners making the rules — and the town (the citizens) subject to big law suits. According to the newspaper account, the town legislators have not given it a thought. This should be a red light to anyone who cares about these horses that they do not know what they are doing. And who elected these people?!
Many, many people are opposed to carriage rides — not only in New York City, which is one of the worst offenders — but throughout the country. I know — I hear from them. We have a petition directed to Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council and tourists cannot line up fast enough to sign it. They represent every state in the United States and 43 countries at last count. We have thousand upon thousands of signatures asking for a ban of the industry.
Why would a town like Old Wethersfield want to be added to the list of places not to visit? I know I will not go there and will tell everyone I know and all of our members — throughout the country and world — to do the same.
On August 2, 2007, Joanne Reale wrote:
…STOP this exploitation of a magnificent and loyal animal for the sake of money and “quaintness” This planet’s creatures deserve better treatment including us. DO NOT put money into such an unnecessay venture. There must be a more productive way to use the funds - Thank you.
On August 11, 2007, BrandonXVX wrote:
I like the vegan abolitionist message from FOA, which the author labels “extreme.” As animal rights advocates, it is better to speak clearly about where we stand than attempt to hide our values to look “mainstream.”
On August 17, 2007, jackie wrote:
I am sickened by the way our society allows us to treat animals! Absolutely rediculious! It doesn’t matter where we go, Boston, New York, and a lot of other countries, there are horse carriage rides. I have seen horses just druling blood from the bit, I have seen open and infected wounds on them around their whole body, and frankly, it makes me sick to my stomache! I LOVE animals so the first thing I want to do is pet them, but I don’t a lot of the time because it makes me WAY to sad to look into their eyes!
On August 21, 2007, Anna wrote:
It is so ridiculous the way people are allowed to treat animals. These animals have never done anything to hurt us. They are so full of innocence and peace. They don’t deserve to to be abused. Stop the animal abuse. Stop the animal slaughter. It brings tears to my eyes when I see how an animal has its eyes full of sadness , pain …… It is time to take a stand.
On August 30, 2007, luis thehorse wrote:
does anyone know where they sleep?? i do. in a dirty parking garage chained to the wall by there face. even when it rains they work even when nobody is in the streets they work…listen if we cant stop it we can better the working conditions…punch out for breaks etc.Give the horses some space
On September 7, 2007, Michael Farewell wrote:
I love animals, but I have to disagree. I live in New York and walk by the park near the plaza often. I have never seen any signs of abuse. The handlers love thier horses. The horses are their bread and butter. The riders feed the horses and give them plenty of water. I’ve seen this with my own eyes. Most of the time they are not pulling the carriage, but standing and waiting for a potential client. I have also heard the argument that the horses while pullling the cart can be dangerous. I disagree there as well. They go so slow, and I have never felt fearful being near or on the carriage. I am more afraid of the taxi cabs that drive like loons. If this is banned these horses would be put to slaughter. So many horses don’t have a place to go. Horses have been domesticated to work. They are not being abused. That doesn’t mean that cases of abuse don’t happen, but by and large the animals are treated well. I think this is a silly campaign and there are other efforts that need your energy.
On September 8, 2007, Lee Hall of Friends of Animals wrote:
For Michael Farewell: There is a difference between loving a group (and “animals” is an awfully big group) and respecting the individuals within it. One need not witness abuse to question use.
You say that handlers love horses at the same time you say that the horses are useful to them as a source of income. For this very reason, it would be difficult to claim that the care most handlers provide their horses is anything beyond maintenance. Standing and waiting for a potential client isn’t something an equid naturally does. It’s what businesspeople do. And if you are afraid of taxi cabs it’s odd that you wouldn’t think horses have a thing to fear; unlike your body, their bodies are out in the streets hour after hour.
Finally you note that if this is banned these horses would be put to slaughter. You are making our point. That’s exactly where we believe many wind up, regardless of how many people can make a buck off them before they get there. We are asking that people start to think of horses as beings who do not belong in this stream of commerce at all. Could you contemplate the idea that being “domesticated to work” might be reasonably described as a form of abuse of one species by another?
On September 23, 2007, Anita Gerami wrote:
As the owner of the largest fleet of horse drawn carriages in nyc,i must say,these people who obviously never been 1 of our stables,speak of pure lies! These horses are in box stalls,with windows,fans and skylights,automatic waterers,and 24 hr stable staff.Everybody has the right to their own opinion but to lie to try to get more people on your side is thw wrong way.We loved the little protest last week,that go little coverage or attention by the public.Business was extra busy that evening,and we hope they have more demonstrations,as this publicity is priceless!
On September 24, 2007, Edita of FoA NYC wrote:
Anita,
The neglect and substandard conditions the horses endure is obvious to many, and the NYC Comptroller’s audit and NY Times article served to verify many of the claims animal advocates have been making for years. See: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/nyregion/06horses.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Our rallies and press conference last week received coverage by several major news networks including FoxNews, NY1, CBS, AM-NY, Daily News, a Japanese press organization, NYU’s Newspaper, and a documentary filmmaker from Al Gore’s cable network.
As I’m sure you’re aware, for the first time in NYC history, a Council Member (Tony Avella) has announced his decision to propose legislation to ban horse-drawn carriages from New York City.
These fantastic developments are understandably making you nervous about your future prospects, Anita; but to quote Vegan Society founder Donald Watson, “one is reminded of the reply given by somebody when slavery was abolished and one of the people against abolition said ‘What on earth is going to happen to the families of the people who make the whips, if slavery is abolished?’ Well, the obvious answer to that - they are given more profitable and humane work to do!”
Edita Birnkrant
NYC Campaign Coordinator, Friends of Animals
On October 13, 2007, Anita Gerami wrote:
Edita,no matter how many inspections the stables pass,you will never be satisfied,because you choose to believe what you want to believe,plain & simple.We were very happy with the audit report,as the only problems they found was with the actual carriage stands on the street.We as citizens cannot repave or add water spigots to our carriage stands,though we would certainly love those improvements to our stands.The audit clearly states there were no problems with any of the 5 stables or their horses,which we are extremly proud of.As for Tony Avela,he must be publicity hungry to even purpose legislation on a business he never investigated or visited.In on my past expierience,this industry is a political football,by people in politics who are desperate enough to grab at straws,to get noticed and support anything they think will get them on TV,or in the paper.The ”vigil”,must have been a big disappointment,as it was shown on 1 major network on the 5pm news.We were very impressed as it did draw more carriage rides for a weekday night.As anyone can obviously see,passengers line up for carriages rides more and more,and its not even Holiday time yet.The public has proven to us there is certainly a demand for horse & carriage rides in NYC,by the influx of business.