Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages

TIMES LEDGER  
01/17/08

 Animal-rights groups oppose carriages 
Once again, the TimesLedger gets it wrong in its Dec. 13 editorial titled "Bah, Humbug, Tony." The article derides my legislation to ban the operation of horse-driven carriages in the city. Everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion. The editorial, however, goes well beyond stating an opinion and both ignores and misrepresents the facts. The editorial states, "If the colorful characters that drive theses carriages through the park don't care for their horses, they are the best actors in the world. We haven't been to the stables, but we assume that the ASPCA makes routine visits and that the horses are well cared-for there as well." What the editorial did not state is that the ASPCA, which has been conducting voluntary enforcement of this industry, has come out in support of my legislation. Why? Because the ASPCA has seen first-hand the poor treatment of the horses and the harsh work conditions. Indeed, every animal rights group in the city and beyond is in support of the ban. Even the Bar Association of the City of New York, through its Committee on Legal Issues Pertaining to Animals, has come out in favor of my bill. Despite the rhetoric from carriage-horse owners, they do not care for their horses, and the city has been conducting little or no enforcement of the industry, as documented in a recent New York City Comptroller's investigative report.

I believe that we have grown as a society to recognize that the mistreatment of any animal is simply wrong. I guess the TimesLedger feels differently. The paper ignores the fact that in the last year and a half there have been seven accidents involving horse-driven carriages. As a result, three horses have died and five people have been injured. As far as it being a big tourist attraction - are you going to tell me that a prospective tourist is not going to come to New York City because they can't get a ride on a horse-driven carriage? That is absolute nonsense and belittles all that the city has to offer. Since I introduced the legislation, I have received support from an overwhelming number of New Yorkers. In addition, I have received an equal number of supportive e-mail messages from people all across the country. In fact, quite a number of tourists have stated that they would never to take a ride on one of these carriages and are ashamed of New York City for continuing this practice. The inhumane treatment of the horses simply must end. It is time to put this industry out to pasture. It is a shame that the TimesLedger does not see that.

 Tony Avella, City Councilman -D- Bayside