State Legislators Take the Reins of New York City Carriage Horse Debate

The conflict surrounding New York City's horse-drawn carriages isn't new. Local and national groups have fought for years to get horses out of the city, where the animals are forced to work long hours nose-to-tailpipe, surrounded by frightening noises and the risk of accidents. Both city residents and out-of-state tourists often express concern for the animals' welfare, and celebrities regularly urge people to stay away from the carriages.

Yet despite all the opposition, the campaign hasn't made much headway. But this month, there's new hope: New York State Senator Tony Avella (D-Bayside) and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) introduced legislation (S.5013/A.7748) calling for a ban on horse-drawn carriages in New York City.

Why is this measure different than the attempts that have come before it? After all, the language of this bill is very similar to the one that Avella introduced as a City Council member in 2007. The difference is that, this time, the issue has been taken out of the city, where the carriage horse industry holds the reins, and is in the hands of state legislators.

It wasn't for lack of interest that a carriage-horse ban hasn't succeeded in the city. But since the bill was opposed by Speaker Christine Quinn, it was ignored by the city council.

Elizabeth Forel, president of the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages, has worked closely with Assemblymember Rosenthal and State Senator Avella on this legislation. After several years of frustration with the New York City Council, Forel hopes the carriage horse ban will get a fair shake in Albany. "The people do not want this inhumane and unsafe industry spoiling the streets of Manhattan anymore. Several media polls have shown about 75 percent of respondents in favor of a ban of the industry.”

As the press release announcing the new bill said: "The horse-drawn carriage ride in Central Park may be an iconic New York activity – one that has been romanticized in movies and in the minds of countless tourists over many decades – yet there is nothing romantic about the often brutal conditions that many carriage horses are forced to endure."

The carriage horse industry often argues that their trade helps lure tourists, despite the fact that major destination cities around the world have banned the archaic attraction. As Assemblymember Rosenthal stated: “New York is not a one horse town: we have hundreds of thousands of attractions to draw and delight those who come here seeking the authentic New York experience. We certainly do not need to continue this barbaric industry in the name of keeping our tourism industry thriving.”

In addition to outlawing the operation of horse-drawn carriages in New York City, S.5013/A.7748 also calls for humane disposition of the animals to ensure that the horses aren't simply sold off to slaughterhouses.

Senator Avella rightly calls this legislation "long overdue." Whether you're a New York resident or a potential tourist, join the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages in supporting this humane bill.

Photo credit: AnnieGreenSprings