On December 4, for the fourth time in six weeks, a horse pulling a carriage stumbled and fell in a Manhattan street in New York City. Heart-wrenching photos and films of the collapsed horse bound in attachments to the carriage and surrounded by bumper-to-bumper traffic were broadcast throughout the world.
Volunteers stopped to help as the white Percheron struggled to its feet, and an anxious and tearful crowd cheered when he was upright and able to walk. Is this a shining moment in America’s treatment of animals in 2011and the image we want viewed by children worldwide as a guide to humaneness?
The YouTube caption read, “The horses have been taught to remain still while their drivers untangle them in case of accidents to reduce [not eliminate] risk of injury.” The need for this “training” alone indicates the expectation and frequency of accidents and the potential risks to the animals. But, it’s not just the animals. A carriage driver was in a coma after an accident last year, and children have been ejected from the hansom cabs when horses have bolted in fear or have collided with vehicles.
The ASPCA states that neither the horse nor any humans were hurt. Do we believe that the trauma of an animal falling and being pinned to the ground, helplessly trapped by carriage rails and still attached to a buggy has suffered no affect on its body—or its spirit? And what about the stressful impact on observers?
Still Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a staunch advocate of the industry, says that the horses “…are well treated, and we’ll continue to make sure that they are well treated.”
Steven Malone of the New York Horse and Carriage Association, which represents the city's 68 carriages, 293 certified drivers and 220 privately owned horses, tells us: "No horse collapsed. It caught its toe in the pavement, which is quite common. The carriage industry in New York City is such a public institution that a horse can sneeze funny and some activist is in our faces with a camera to post footage to YouTube."
A Huffington Post commenter disagreed, “I own horses and that IS NOT just a slip on a crack in the pavement. I suppose they think that everyone in society are buffoons. Not all!”
Donny Moss, winner of a 2009 Genesis award for BLINDERS, his compelling documentary on the inhumane life of horses who work in the horse-carriage industry in New York, asks:
“How much more suffering must these horses endure and how many more accidents have to take place before NYC takes the lead from other major cities around the world, such as London, Beijing and Toronto, that have taken these horses off the streets and out of harm’s way?” http://www.blindersthemovie.com/
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/animal-rights/nyc-carriage-horses-forced-work-despite-shutdown
A TRADITION SET IN STONE?
Mayor Bloomberg recently declared, “Carriage horses have traditionally been a part of New York City. The tourists love them, and we’ve used from time immemorial, animals to pull things.”
That is a tradition that hopefully will change soon. A New York Times article on December 7 entitled, Push to Ban New York Carriage Horses Gains Steam, discusses how animal-protection advocates are growing support for legislation to ban horse-drawn carriages. In fact, two bills have been introduced in the NY State legislature. http://www.change.org/petitions/ban-horse-drawn-carriages-in-new-york-city-new-bill-needs-support
Changing an industry that has been entrenched in NY politics since 1935 will not be easy. There is the Teamsters Union Local 553, which represents the drivers, workers and business owners that make up the Horse and Carriage Association and contends, “In essence this is an attack on working people, the working people of this industry.”
There are financial and political interests embroiled in the 2013 New York City mayoral race and a slate of contenders who will not be facing an incumbent since Mayor Bloomberg is termed out. Two declared Democratic candidates—Bill deBlasio. NYC’s influential elected Public Advocate, and Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President--have already expressed support for the ban and endorsed the proposal to replace the antiquated horse-drawn carriages with vintage electric carriages which replicate various early model cars. Unfortunately, so far they are not the frontrunners in polls.
Another Mayoral hopeful is Christine Quinn, current Speaker of the City Council, and the leading Democratic contender according to an October 2011 poll. Quinn was reported to have raised $2.7 million in campaign funds by July 13, 2010, according to the Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704288204575363610741624330.html
However, Christine Quinn, like Bloomberg, has supported the carriage industry. Although she is proposing a bill to increase veterinary oversight for the horses, some animal advocates believe this is merely a political tactic to delay any major political confrontation over a ban until after the election.
Activist Donny Moss questions the political and financial relationship between Quinn and Steve Nislick, CEO of Edison Properties, a real estate company, and co-president of NY-CLASS (New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets), a non-profit group that was started by Nislick and Ed Sayres, President of the ASPCA, and reports it has collected more than 66,000 signatures on a petition to phase out the city’s horse-drawn-carriages. NY-CLASS was given $250,000 by the ASPCA in 2008 to produce a prototype of an environmentally friendly electric vintage car to replace the horse-drawn carriages. According to the NY CLASS website on Oct. 19, 2011, “Right now, the horse-replacements exist only as foot-long models…” But we are assured that legislation to phase out carriage horses would allow them to “…be replaced with full-size versions in the next few years.” www.ny-class.org/node/1240
Moss asked in a recent flyer: “How can Council Members vote to replace horse-drawn carriages with electric vintage cars if they’ve never seen a prototype? Why is Steve Nislick of NY-CLASS one of Christine Quinn’s top fundraisers when she has killed all legislative efforts to ban horse-drawn carriages and has thwarted every meaningful animal protection bill introduced at City Hall since she became Speaker? Why did Steve Nislick use NY-CLASS to endorse Christine Quinn's bill that overturns the law mandating an animal shelter in every borough when NY-CLASS was founded to take the horses off the streets?” http://www.blindersthemovie.com/
CONFLICT OF INTEREST ALLEGED
Donny Moss contends that Steve Nislick has a conflict of interest in that he would like to see horse-drawn carriages taken off the streets, but he cannot advocate for a ban because putting public pressure on Christiine Quinn would compromise his relationship with her. The success of his business depends in part on having a good relationship Quinn, who has the power to influence which real estate developments are approved in NYC. At the moment, Edison Properties is working to build a 407-unit condo in Quinn’s district.
The horse-drawn carriage industry also alleges a conflict of interest, stating that Edison Properties is seeking to shut down the horse-drawn carriage industry because the four 1920’s tenement buildings where the horses spend their nights in dank 8’x 10’ stalls are now prime real estate that would become available if a ban were passed. All four stables are located in Quinn’s current Council district.
Although Nislick denies interest in the land, there has been a formal complaint filed with the NY State Attorney General, the Mayor’s Office, the NYC Dept. of Investigations, and the Inspector General of the NYC Dept. of Health by Stephen Malone of the Horse and Carriage Association. The complaint alleges a “glaring conflict of interest” in that “Ed Sayres is both the president and CEO of ASPCA and the co-president of NY-CLASS. In addition to subsequent use of facilities, vehicles, resources and personnel, the ASPCA gave NY-Class $250,000 at the time of NY-CLASS’s founding in 2008”
Malone also explains that the ASPCA is one of the three agencies—along with the Health Department and Bureau of Consumer Affairs--that oversees and enforces laws pertaining to the horse-carriage industry and has openly expressed its support of a ban.
However, the ASPCA has staunch defenders in regard to its work. D. Verret, a prolific commenter on issues regarding the carriage-horse industry, writes, “I’m not giving ASPCA a pass on the appearance of impropriety, BUT it does not negate all the good work they do.”
Donny Moss wrote:
(1) Why is NY-CLASS soliciting $5 contributions for the prototype if the ASPCA gave them $250,000 and the list of supporters on their website consists of some of the wealthiest real estate developers?
(2) If NY-CLASS motto is "stop horse abuse" and they supposedly want horse-drawn carriages banned, then why do they refuse to support the bill introduced at the state level to ban horse-drawn carriages?
“If we don't have a prototype after four years, then when will NY-CLASS produce and roll out an entire fleet of electric vintage cars?, Moss asks.
ASPCA MIRED IN CONTROVERSY
Following the tragic collapse and death of Charlie, a 15-year-old draft horse, on Oct. 23, 2011, as he was heading to Central Park pulling a carriage, the New York City Council’s paltry response was that it would introduce legislation requiring the Health Department to create a list of independent veterinarians to provide exams twice a year and certify that the horses in the carriage industry are healthy enough to work. The legislation purportedly would remove any “financial relationship” between members of the horse-carriage industry and the veterinarians who currently perform the mandatory check ups.
That didn’t happen. The ASPCA announced that they want to add more reforms. But it is doubtful it would have matter much to the horses that are out pounding the streets of NY for at least nine hours a day in exhaust fumes, crammed between cars blasting their horns, aggressive cab drivers, and often on slippery streets or without water for prolonged period on hot days.
Donny Moss says, “No amount of regulation or enforcement, can make the operation of horse-drawn carriages humane or safe in midtown Manhattan. Reform has never worked. The horses are in as bad shape now as they’ve ever been.”
His contention seems supported by the fact that Charlie had only been pulling carriages for 20 days and had supposedly received a clean bill of health from a veterinarian after he was bought at auction. Two more carriage horses have suffered injuries since Charlie’s death, in addition to the Percheron who fell as he walked along Grand Army Plaza at 59th Street and 5th Avenue on December 4. Moss says, “The ASPCA and NY-CLASS should be focused on a ban, not reforms or on replacing carriages with electric vintage cars that don’t exist.”
There are three agencies currently responsible for the health and, supposedly, humane treatment of the carriage horses, the ASPCA, along with the City’s Health Dept. and Department of Consumer Affairs. So, why can’t the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), one of the most prominent animal-protection organizations in the U.S. and headquartered in New York, stop the cruelty in an industry directly under its auspices?
The ASPCA is having its own problems over the death of Charlie, whose final fall to the streets of Midtown brought worldwide attention to the cruelty of forcing horses to pull carriages for hours every day through the congested streets of New York City.
Dr. Pamela Corey, director of equine veterinary services for the ASPCA was suspended without pay after “clarifying” comments she first made about the cause of Charlie’s death. Her first report stated, “…Charlie was forced to work in spite of painful maladies, and these particular health issues can be difficult to diagnose because draft horses are by nature a stoic breed, not displaying signs of pain until they are severe.”
In its Oct. 31 release, the ASPCA stated, “Dr. Corey determined it [Charlie] was not healthy enough for a career in an urban carriage business…a gross necropsy report indicates the horse was suffering from pain due to pronounced chronic ulceration of the stomach and a fractured tooth.”
On Nov. 3, Dr. Corey issued a correction to her original ASPCA statement to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, stating, “…there was no evidence Charlie was experiencing any pain,” according to DVM Newsmagazine.
Dr. Corey stated that she was under pressure when she issued her first statement; and at a November 10 press conference, Teamsters Local 553, Joint Council 16 and the Horse and Carriage Association of New York City demanded Corey’s reinstatement, claiming that the ASPCA had coerced Dr. Corey to issue an opinion that supports their anti-carriage position.
However, reportedly, in her official statement to the Department of Health, in which she “corrected and clarified” the earlier ASPCA version, Dr. Corey stated, “We have the capability and authority to ensure that such horses receive the proper care that they need and we are satisfied that they do.” http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/08/nyregion/ny-horse-drawn-carriage-industry-fights-for-survival.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion
WHERE’S THE MAYOR?
An op-ed by the editor of the NY Post, on August 8, entitled The ASPCA’s Dead Horse, states, “ Mayor Bloomberg has refused to back a ban that would put hundreds of New Yorkers -- and their nags -- out of work.”
“If anyone wants to destroy something that is part of New York’s heritage and that tourists love,” Bloomberg said, “you should remind those people that …we pay municipal employees with money pumped in by visitors who delight in carriage rides.” http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/editorials/the_aspca_dead_horse_zpmaicXxkHxnalD2VJE3kN#ixzz1fG5xbKaJ
The NY Times reports that the licensed carriage-horse industry brings in about $15 million a year, according to city officials.
But a New York commenter retorts,
“Can someone get Bloomberg a calculator and some truth serum? The city does not derive ANY direct revenue from this cash industry. He only gets away with the propaganda because people let him. Now he says NYC pays municipal workers’ salaries as a benefit of the carriage industry, a cash-only business…”
And Justin in NY writes,
“Carriage horses are a sad part of NYC tourism. These horses are treated very poorly and kept in “cells”, not even stables. They are forced to perform under unbearable conditions, regardless of their health, and that’s the norm. You do not need to be a “radical animal rights activist” to deplore the treatment of NYC carriage horses. Take a closer look, there is a lot more unraveling than a glossy postcard. And you know what? Tourists will still flock to NY, carriage horses or not. Find an alternative which does not involve abuse. If dogs were treated this way, these business owners would have been arrested long ago.”
D. Verret comments on November 14 that Bloomberg’s daughter “…is riding the circuit now (I believe hunters/jumpers at the Grand Prix level)…hardly unknowledgeable about equine welfare issues and costs. Problem is this is about economics…not equine welfare. And don’t kid yourself that Bloomberg doesn’t know about space and real estate in NYC.”
AND MORE PROBLEMS FOR THE ASPCA
On November 21, 2011, Horseback Magazine posted, NYC Carriage Drivers to File Formal Complaint with Attorney General against ASPCA, which states:
“The Horse and Carriage Association of New York City will be filing formal complaints today with the NY State Attorney General’s Office, the Mayor’s Office, the NYC Department of Investigation, and with the Inspector General of the NYC Department of Health. These complaints are being levied against the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (known as the A.S.P.C.A.) and its affiliated lobbying group, New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets (known as NY-CLASS).
The complaints allege, “…what may be the improper exchange of money and resources between the ASPCA and NY-CLASS. Ed Sayres is both the president and CEO of the ASPCA and the co-president of NY-CLASS. In addition to subsequent use of facilities, vehicles, resources, and personnel, the ASPCA gave NY-CLASS $250,000 at the time of NY-CLASS’s founding in 2008.”
The complaint also alleges a possible conflict of interest concerning, “…the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Division’s primary duty as a law enforcement agency, as required by its NY State Charter and by NYC Administrative Code, to oversee and enforce laws pertaining to our industry, while the secondary activities of the ASPCA seek to eliminate our industry altogether.”
“I don’t see it as a conflict,” ASPCA’s president, Ed Sayres, said recently, “If we don’t bring forward the risk factor that we are observing, then it would be negligent.” http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1782609
The Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages in conjunction with In Defense of Animals, contends that many of the accident or “near misses” are not being made public. “Six of the last seven incidents involving carriage horses were made known to the public by the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages.” www.banhdc.org/
CARRIAGE-HORSE SLAUGHTER?
The NY Times article ends with a quote by Dr. Nena Winand, a NY Veterinarian and member of the American Society of Equine Practitioners, who says, “If we banned the carriage horse industry tomorrow, they would go straight to slaughter. There is no big field out there and no one to pay the bills.”
A commenter named Susan states, “Unfortunately, it’s common knowledge that the carriage-trade industry uses the slaughter pipeline as a place to obtain cheap horses and “retire” them at the end of their productivity. I have personally heard from a party to the [carriage-horse] trade in NY, if the trade is discontinued, they’ll send the horses to slaughter. This is nothing more than emotional blackmail. I have also seen carriage horses that came off in chargeable neglect condition. That does not mean all do; it just means that the posters here claiming ideal conditions are exaggerating, at best, and pushing an agenda, at worst….Surely folks know how rampant slaughter has been for carriage horses over the years. This is a good time to let people see data on where the horses go”
Janet Schultz commented on November 21, 2011 “Quite bad timing then that Animals Angels watched a trailer of one of these carriage businesses dropping off one of its carriage horses at the New Holland auction – underweight and with newly rasped left front hoof. Seems the protection of the horses is not quite so protective after all.” http://www.animalsangels.org/investigations/horse-investigations/364-new-holland-sales-stables-a-horse-farm-new-holland-pa-10211-.html
But Mayor Bloomberg assured us that, the horses “…are well treated, and we’ll continue to make sure that they are well treated.”
HELP NEW YORKERS BAN HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGES!
It is time for animal lovers and those with safety concerns for both the horses and humans to demand a ban this archaic and barbaric practice of horses pulling carriages “nose to tailpipe” through exhaust laden, slippery, hazardous streets in bumper-to-bumper traffic. They trip, slip, fall, are hit by cars, bolt and run into traffic, and one recently was crushed under a truck. They live in cells where they can barely turn around and without enough bedding for comfort.
The State bill to ban horse-drawn carriages in NYC is S5013 in the NYS Senate and A7748 in the NYS Assembly. It is referred to as the bill that PROHIBITS THE OPERATION OF HORSE DRAWN CABS IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK. www.banhdc.org/
Since 2006, every poll that has asked if the NYC carriage business should be banned has resulted in at least 75% of respondents voting YES.
The Daily News published an article on November 19, entitled, Calls Grow to Ban Carriage Horses, but Owners Defend Iconic Rides, including a poll.
Final Result: 85% say YES to a ban; 13%, NO, 1%, Not Sure.
Wall Street Journal asked in a poll "Should NYC ban horse-drawn carriages?"
Results were 76.2% YES and 23.8 NO.
NY STATE AND LOCAL BAN BILLS
The bill to ban horse-drawn carriages in NYC is S5013 in the NYS Senate and A7748 in the NYS Assembly. It is referred to as the bill that PROHIBITS THE OPERATION OF HORSE DRAWN CABS IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Please help us make this petition viral. Sign it if you have not done so already and pass it on to friends and colleagues. Click Here or go to http://www.change.org/petitions/ban-horse-drawn-carriages-in-new-york-city-new-bill-needs-support
ALSO…
New York State Senator Tony Avella has renewed his call on Mayor Bloomberg to ban the barbaric carriage rides, which are a hazard to horses and to public safety. Please join him and click here to contact the mayor and New York City lawmakers now to urge them to support Intro. Bill 86, which would replace horse-drawn carriages with eco-friendly (and horse-friendly) classic cars. http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/animal-rights/yet-another-carriage-horse-collapses-new-york-city
Watch: Horse Drawn Cruelty www.youtube.com/watch?v=f41ZCKuB6B8&feature=related
carriage lover get a clue. All horses need turnout and yes i have seen and been in the stables of carriage horses in NYC really sad!!!!!! no horse deserves that.
ladyaraby- You need to get several clues. Turn out IS recommended for all horses but MANY, MANY, MANY horses compete and perform without any or very much turnout especially during show or race seasons. In a perfect world ALL horses would get the recommended turnout, but that just is not the case. And if you have been around horses for any amount of time, you know I'm telling the truth.
I have been in and seen racing stables, boarding barns and show barns in several states (MS, LA, FL, TX, TN, KY,AL,GA, SC, NC,OH,PA & CA) - some big name barns, too, and they were not near as nice as the NYC stables, which I admit I have only seen on video.I have known hundreds of horses who performed as how animals without any turnout during their seven or eight month show season- only enjoying turnout- and that limited -- during the "off" season.
So before you get yourself worked up over these 212 horses, go take a look around at the other barns and stables in your area. Or better yet, go, if you can, and check out the hundreds, if not thousands of horses "put out to pasture" in some forgotten back field to slowly starve to death without shelter, vet care or adequate feed because they are no longer ridable, wanted or affordable. NO horse deserves THAT!!!
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I am trying to see both sides of this story. Let me just play devil's advocate. Horses are becoming more and more obsolete. They're inhumanely slaughtered when no longer need. Their usefulness is becoming less and less. Riding stables are closing because of skyrocketing insurance rates. There's no experience as great as riding a horse or being around them. They are magnificient animals. If we ban horse carriages in NYC then we have no job for the horse. Can't we create and enforce laws that will contribute to their well-being? Certain hours and weather conditions should be off limits for carriages. The biggest problem with traffic are drivers of motor vehicles. They have no consideration for anyone, including carriage horses. I have no facts at this time about conditions at the stable, but from what I can see just by looking at the horses, they look fine. Some people where I live don't treat their horses any better. The horses may not work, but instead stand around in a stall or tiny paddock day after day. Is that a better life for a healthy horse? I've seen horses that look much worse and nothing is done about it. It's heart wrenching to witness a horse go down, whether it's in a pasture or on the street. If any horse industry should be shut down, it's the racing industry. Racing young horses that haven't finished growing yet is much more cruel than horses pulling carriages in the city. There's too much revenue from horseracing to shut THAT down! It's easy to pick on people trying to make a living. Accidents happen. You have some good owners and some bad. It goes with the territory. Should we punish everyone because of a few bad apples?
First off - use your own name Carriage Horse Lover - are you ashamed to? How can anyone take you seriously if you hide behind some made up name?
The carriage horse crowd is so childish, silly and dense. They will make excuses for every kind of cruelty and inhumane rough treatment. Sad. They are so in denial, they do not know how to tell the truth I happen to have some time this early morning as I did yesterday when I wrote the post below. But I have no intention of answering them again. Huge, huge waste of my time -- I just felt like giving "them" a taste of their own medicine - hiding behind asking everyone to cite sources. It is enervating. If I - or any of my other colleagues say 1+1= 2. They will say - "no it doesn't - 1+1= 5 and furthermore you know nothing about numbers." Everyone to them who is opposed to their business is a RARA - this is such a silly term that no one but them use. But we can't expect more. They still think we are all Peta.
I just skimmed over the response - did not read the whole thing and have no intention to - don't care. But I did notice the BIG LIE about stable size. The law in NYC is for 60 sq. ft stalls - not 100 sq. ft. They lie once again. They lie all the time. This is what they do - twist the truth. I do not have to prove or show you anything. You look it up - since you are a waste of my time.
Our fight for the horse's welfare is not going to be won on this page, which is why i generally do not squander my time here.
And BTW - many of the horses looked pretty exhausted yesterday on the hack line. Even though one of the troughs was shut down there were no water buckets as I suspected. Oh yes, filthy buckets filled with all sorts of crap - but not water.
The carriage industry has had a good run in NYC, but it is time to hang it up. 75% of the people want it to end. More and more politicians are coming over to the right side and realizing that this industry is incredibly inhumane. And if any of you folks run a small carriage company and take care of your horses rather than to run them ragged - including into Times Square at 3 in the morning - you have nothing to worry about. We actually have the support of some small businesses who have reached out to me because they see what happens in NYC and they are appalled. And no, I do not have to provide you with anyone's names -- or any other information - that is not the way it works. Who are you? No one.
Those who blah blah blah on this blog and have never been to NYC - You know nothing about the way it is here and you just look foolish commenting. None of us have any time for you. I have said this before and will end with it now. IF the NYC industry had taken care of their horses well; if they did not work them 9 hours a day, 7 days a week, and many many other IFS that I have mentioned many times before, they would never have come to the attention of horse advocates. But that was absolutely not the case.
It is not like we are looking for a cause - this hit us in the face like a ton of bricks.
No I'm not ashamed to use my name,just careful because there are lots of crazy people out there. I have watched as other carriage horse owners have been foolish enough to use their own names and have then been targeted personally by anti-carriage horse fanatics. I'm not going to do you work for you by providing my "real" name.
Obviously the anti-carriage horse people are pretty stupid, dense, childish and silly, too. If the NYC carriage horse law requires ONLY 60 sq. ft. stalls, and the current stalls are either 100 sq. ft or 144 sq ft, depending if a horse is in a 10X10 or 12X12 ft stall, then the NYC carriage horse woenrs are providing their horses even MORE room than the waw requires- by 40 to 84 sq feet.How is this abusive or cruel?
As for your claim NOW, Forel, that you all are only "after" the NYC carriage horse owners and the rest of us have nothing to worry about, then why does your facebook page No Walk In The Park say:
"Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages
About
This is the official page of the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages. This Page is about the LAWLESSNESS and INHUMANITY in the horse-drawn carriage trade in NYC and every place else where this exists."
And IF you are only interested in banning horse-drawn carriages in NYC, why is your organization mentioned specifically on the Horses without Carriages International website here: http://horseswithoutcarriages.org/nyc.shtml
And why does your facebook page often have posts concerning news of efforts to ban horse-drawn carriages in other cities and why do you promote Horses Without Carriages International as shown by post below?
"No Walk in the Park
Please join us tomorrow - for the horses!!
NYC - Horses Without Carriaqes International Day
Saturday, December 3 at 1:00pm"
You DO know that this group's avowed goal is to ELIMINATE ALL HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGES EVERYWHERE! don't you?
But then here's what you say about small liveries in one of your posts on this comments page:
"And if any of you folks run a small carriage company and take care of your horses rather than to run them ragged - including into Times Square at 3 in the morning - you have nothing to worry about. We actually have the support of some small businesses who have reached out to me because they see what happens in NYC and they are appalled. And no, I do not have to provide you with anyone's names -- or any other information - that is not the way it works. Who are you? No one."
So WHICH is it, Forel? Are you only against the NYC carriage horse owners? Or are you actually against ALL livery owners? Are small businesses (liveries) your allies "who have reached out" to you? Or are we "no one."? Are you seeking to ban ONLY the NYC carriages or are you supporting a ban against ALL horse-drawn carriages everywhere? You can't have it both ways.
I am not “Equine Vet” – but I would like to ask Carriage Horse Lover for the following:
1. Please cite literature that says it is OK for NYC carriage horses to work 9 hours a day 7 days a week with no breaks – because, of course, the breaks are totally unenforceable.
2. Please cite literature that says that carriage horses do not need turnout for 47 weeks a year; that it is OK for them to be taken to their stall and made to stay there until the next day.
3. Please cite literature that says it is OK to not clean up the sweaty dirty carriage horse when he returns form his work day.
4. Please cite literature that says it is OK to cram a 2,000 pound draft carriage horse into a 60 sq. ft. “box” stall.
5. Please cite literature that says it is OK to put a highly nervous carriage horse in heavy urban traffic traveling along with cars, buses, taxis, cyclists, etc. etc. etc.
6. Please cite literature that says it is OK for carriage horses to work in hot humid temperatures – or very cold frost bite temperatures. (Not talking about free horse will here either – we know many horses love the snow – but on their own terms.)
7. Please cite literature that says it is OK for carriage horses to drink from a communal water trough that has been used for people bathing and washing dishes. We have documentation so don’t even go there.
8. Please cite literature that says it is OK to pull a horse up from the street (after he collapsed) from his bit and bridle rather than a halter - causing noticeable discomfort to the horse.
The literature cited should be come from a highly reputable source.
And while you are at it, Please provide a listing for where all of your so called retired horses go – even the ones who only stay 6 months. After all, they are horses too. And they did work on the crazy streets of NYC. We want the names of the buyers or “sanctuaries” or auctions. The listing should include the 4-digit ID number for the horse, horse's name, previous and new owner's name. All we want is accountability. You say you find homes for all your horses - then as long as you are working in the NYC system, earning money here, then prove it.
You say you are concerned for where the horses will go when the industry is banned -- knowing full well that most sanctuaries cannot predict openings for Well we are concerned for where the used up horses go NOW. That is actually more important because it is current and the industry is trying desperately to spin and hide it.
Thanks so much for your attention to this matter. I am waiting.
Ha Ha Ha- I am not trying to ban a legitimate business and force people and horses out of jobs. The easy answer is all you have to do is consult the NYC regulations governing carriage horses, which I'm sure must have been written with the consultation of qualified experts in equine health and equine vets. I do hope the NYC regulations are "highly reputable enough" for you since I understand you are a city employee.
As for items 1 through 8- these are simply your allegations.
#3- Where is the proof that horses are put up sweaty? Again just an allegation.
Regarding #4 since the stalls are at least 10X10 if not 12X12 that would mean minimum stall space is 100 square feet, not 60 sq ft. But for that matter, the stalls at the Royal Mews in London are tie stalls. If it is good enought for the Queen of England's horses, I'm sure it is acceptable practice. And I sincerely doubt that there are many NYC carriage horses in the 2,000 lb range. there may be a few that weigh in at 1,800, but most look to be in the 1,400 to 1,600 lb range. 10X10 or 12X12 stalls are pretty much standard across all equine disciplines including show jumpers, draft show hitch hroses, eventers, western raining horses, show horses in all disciplines and of course harness racers and race horses.
#5- That's an easy one. A "highly nervous" horse would not be chosen to work as a carriage horse in NYC or most anywhere else. If a horse proves unsuitable, it is my understanding that many of the Amish (where many of the NYC hroses come from) are willing to make exchanges within a reasonable time frame or refund the purchase price and take the horse back.
As far as #7--the communial water troughs- it sounds like someone in charge of enforcement needs to step up and make sure these are used only by the horses- this is an enforcement problem, not a carriage driver problem or an "industry" problem.If you all are really so concerned, why don't you station some volunteers at the troughs to make sure no one else uses them. After all, this would benefit the horses you claim you are so concerned about helping.
I'm not going to waste my time answering all your requests for info because we all know that you and your ilk are bound and determined that carriage horse driving is cruel, so nothing we say or do will satisfy you.
#8- If you notice, the man who grabbed the downed horse's bit did so on either side of the bit. All that did was put the same pressure on the horse' poll (back of the head) that grabbing the halter would have done. And actually, he does remove the horse's bridle and DOES hold the horse by its halter during the time it regains its footing. You have to examine the footage frame by frame. And some of the action is blocked from view by protesters trying to get a closer look. They are not helping, they are hindering the process. In this case, with all the confusion caused by protesters shouting and getting too close for safety's sake- as well as trying to distract the handlers by cursing them, the driver and others were doing the best they could in a bad situation. By holding the horse's halter and exerting some pull, the driver actually gave the horse someting to brace against while it regained its footing. As far as the look of discomfort you claim to see- how do you know that wasn't because of all the loud shouting almost in the horse's face?
As far as the accountability you want regarding retired carriage horses- well you will have to talk directly with someone in the drivers' union or association. As I have often explained, I do not work in NYC. But I know that YOUR aim as proclaimed is to ban carriage horses everywhere and I prefer not to wait until you get around to my town. But I do know several special events liveries that do have retired NYC carriage horses. And retired NYC carriage hroses can go to Blue Star Equiculture, which, as the official retirement farm for he NYC horses, is pledged to take in any NYC carriage horse whose owner in not able to retire the horse to his/ her own farm or find a suitable placement with another provate carriage horse woenr or livery. When I have an opening, I would be happy to take a retired NYC carriage horse to live here for life.
"But....in the case of the carriage horses that I have seen in New York and the reports I have read about the conditions they live in - they are not receiving the care they require to perform the work they do."
So, did you personally see a particular animal being abused? What did you do? And who wrote the literature you read about their conditions? Have you personally visited these stables and talked with those who work with the animals? Or do you just follow the lead of Anti Carriage personnel?
And as for those ridiculous statements claiming if you are against the Carriages "speak for the voiceless " by signing the petition..News Flash: HORSES SPEAK, not in English or Spanish..in their own language..using body Language..Something the Anti Carriage persons can NOT YET INTERPRET or UNDERSTAND. Learn how to read a horse, then you will know what he/she is saying. You will be surprised what you can learn and they can "tell you".