10 June 2007 - Vol. # 34
(Also
see 6 June 2007 - Vol. # 33 - Special Edition)
Letters to the Editor *
Volunteer *
Your 2 cents *
new postcard
campaign *
merchandise *
Michigan accident
LETTER IN AM-NY
Treat our horses humanely
June
4, 2007 - It is very disappointing that the City Council continues
to ignore the carriage horse issue, turning their backs on these
long-suffering and exploited animals, pretending that it is a major
tourist attraction. How many of them know how these horses live - in
multistoried fire-trap stables; in small stalls accessed by steep
ramps [see photo]; with no opportunity for turnout -- a situation
that does not respect a horse's nature.
Many tourists tell us they would like to see the industry shut
down. They visit New York City for the theater, museums, restaurants
and shopping. They tell us this detracts from our great city.
Animals and the many people who advocate for them must be taken
seriously by the Council -- particularly if they expect support for
their bills or re-elections. Our moral and ethical progression as a
city depends on how well we treat both people and animals.
--Elizabeth Forel, Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Tabling on Saturday, June 16th
The
weather is great and the horses need your help. The
Coalition to Ban
Horse-Drawn Carriages needs volunteers to help get signatures on
petitions to the Mayor and City Council -- and to hold posters. This
is not a demonstration but an educational event. It is an excellent
opportunity to help the horses and to see how supportive both
tourists and New Yorkers are. You can volunteer for one hour or
four. We need to know when you will be there so we are sure to have
coverage. Please contact Teresa at verush@aol.com if you can
volunteer.
WHEN: Saturday, June 16th, 2007 WHERE: midtown -
information will be given to volunteers. TIME: 1-5 PM
YOUR 2 CENTS
IS WORTH A MILLION DOLLARS
to the horses and to us
If
you read our last two
Special Edition
newsletters you know about the carriage horse who was hit by an
SUV last Saturday, June 2nd. It was not picked up by the media.
Although the horse had inflammation, according to a spokesperson
from the Department of Health (DoH) he did not "sustain any
injuries" and was deemed fit to return to work by a DoH
veterinarian, which he did - two days later! While we think the
whole industry is out of control and is allowed to get away with a
lot - this is particularly egregious. The sole purpose of a
"carriage horse" is to make money for the driver and carriage
company. A horse resting up from injuries suffered in an accident is
of no use to the owner. He is high maintenance - best to get him out
on the street pulling tourists as soon as possible. We wonder just
how much pressure there was on the DoH to give him a clean bill of
health just two days after the accident.
If you have not yet done so, please give your very valuable 2
cents to your
City
Council Member and/or
Mayor Bloomberg. This is important for New Yorkers because we
vote - and it is very important for out-of-towners because you are
all potential tourists who could spend money in our city. Please ask
them to pass legislation that would end the carriage horse industry.
Tell them that a 2000 pound horse who is out of control is dangerous
to himself and to pedestrians. Horse-drawn carriages do not belong
in congested NYC. Make reference to the Gothamist story since this
did not appear anywhere else. Thanks to everyone who made those
calls and sent e-mails.
OUR NEW POSTCARD TO
MAYOR BLOOMBERG
campaign directed to the Mayor
We
have a new post card campaign, which is addressed to Mayor
Bloomberg. When we table, we will be giving them out to the public,
asking them to complete their contact information and leave with us
to be mailed. This is the text:
"Dear Mayor Bloomberg: On June 2, 2007, a carriage horse was hit
by an SUV near 7th avenue and 56th Street. Nineteenth century
conveyances pulled by 2,000 pound animals do not belong on the
congested streets of a 21st century city. As a matter of fact, this
practice has been banned in other major world cities, including
London, Paris, Toronto and Beijing."
"As you stated so eloquently on Earth Day, "New York is the
most modern and technologically advanced city in the world. But in
all the key elements of our city's life, we are using 20th century
operating systems--and sometimes 19th century systems." This 19th
century mode of transportation threatens public safety, affects air
quality in one of the most pristine areas of New York and causes
noticeable suffering for the animals. It is time to take our heads
out of the sand and end this outmoded and inhumane practice. I
urge you to call for a ban of horse-drawn carriages in New York City.
"
These post cards are available to you at no cost so you can give
them to your friends, family and co-workers. We will pay postage to
you. Please send us an e-mail at coalitionbanhdc@gmail -- tell us
how many you want and provide your address. We STRONGLY SUGGEST
that you follow our lead at our table to ensure these cards get
mailed to the Mayor -- Buy a quantity of 26 cent stamps for the
cards you will be asking people to complete and then take the
responsibility of putting them in the mail.
MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE
help us raise money for our campaign
Please
do not forget our merchandise - good looking t-shirts, caps, buttons
and tote bags -- and yes - that shirt for your dog. The weather is
perfect to wear the t-shirt that shows our logo that depicts a horse
and carriage with the ban sign over the carriage and the horse being
freed - along with the message - "There's No Romance in Cruelty"
as pictured here - or the standard t-shirt "Show Compassion - Say
No to a Carriage Ride."
Please visit our
website
where you can buy buttons directly from us or click onto our online
store at Cafe Press.
CARRIAGE ACCIDENT IN
MICHIGAN
Island carriage accident sends 3 to hospital
Cheyboygan Daily Tribune - June 5, 2007 -- MACKINAC ISLAND - A
runaway horse pulled a carriage across part of the golf course and
through the driveway of the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island Sunday,
causing three people to be taken to the hospital. The carriage,
operated by Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, was entering the Grand
Hotel's Driveway from Cadotte Avenue, commonly known as Lilac Lane,
when the incident occurred about 2 p.m.
"It seems that one of the horses pulling the carriage was trying to
shake off something or scratch an itch," said Michigan State Police
Trooper Delynn Rice, who investigated the case. "The horse's bridle
either came loose or the reins got tangled, but the driver had no
control." Rice said the horse then pulled the carriage in a U-turn
and across the street to the Grand Hotel's golf course, where it
scattered patrons from tables at the Jockey Club before turning
again and coming back to the hotel entrance where it was restrained.
"The Mackinac Island Ambulance transported one person to the
Mackinac Island Medical Center and a fire department rig took two
more," Rice stated. "All were checked over and released with no
serious injuries."
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do
evil, but because of those who look and do nothing" - Albert
Einstein
| Thank you for caring about the horses, Elizabeth
Forel - Coalition for NYC Animals, Inc. for the
Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages |
