Another carriage horse dies in NYC - it's tourism at its finest.
Elizabeth Forel
Another carriage horse dies in NYC - it's tourism at its finest.will the City Council and Mayor finally act? Doubtul.
Lady, a 15-year-old mare, dropped to the street and died yesterday - Tuesday, August 5th. at 11th Avenue and W. 51St - on her way back to Clinton Stables. This was reminiscent of Charlie, also 15, who dropped dead on W. 54th St., pulling a carriage in 2011. Yesterday, the air quality was “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” Although the temperature and humidity did not reach the level where the industry was suspended, air quality is not a factor.
What will be done? Probably nothing. This is, after all, NYC, where most politicians don’t care and the unions are in control. Reminiscent of Tammany Hall. But I strongly believe we can’t give up. Lady is the latest addition to an ongoing list of incidents and accidents involving carriage horses in NYC. The incident was reported in the media, both print and TV. W42.com provided a thorough account of the incident. from the article: “No amount of regulation and rules will be enough, because there’s a structural problem where you have horses pulling tourist carriages through Midtown traffic,” Bottcher told W42ST. “Cities all over the world have already made the change, and we need to do it now — before another horse dies.” This was from the NY Times NY TIMES: From Mayor Eric Adams’ office: “We are looking into this troubling incident,” the spokesman, Zachary Nosanchuk, said in a statement. “We’ll always work to keep all New Yorkers — including our city’s animals — safe and healthy.” From Speaker Adrienne Adams’ office (no relation) “The Council understands that this is a difficult and emotional issue,” the spokeswoman, Mara Davis, said. With regard to Ryder’s Law, she said, “The bill continues to go through the legislative process, which is deliberative and allows for thorough input from all stakeholders.” Will the City Council and the Mayor’s office finally do the right thing? This is all BS and words we’ve heard before. All the phony, lying press releases in the world will not make me believe Mayor Eric Adams cares for or understands animal issues. He doesn’t - that’s clear. Please vote the man out in November. This also goes for Speaker Adrienne Adams. Quote from Edita Birnkrant/NYClass “There are horses who are suffering silently, in pain with every step they take, elderly horses who shouldn’t be on the streets at all, underweight and unwell horses,” Edita Birnkrant told the Daily News. “This is heartbreaking. These horses are suffering, poor air quality the past week, serious heatwaves. They can’t take the conditions and inadequate care of New York City. We don’t need any more dead horses.” In the meantime, we need a response from mayoral contenders, Zohran Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary, and Andrew Cuomo, who, like Adams, is running on the Independent line. And Curtis Sliwa, running on the Republican line. What say all of you? Let us know how you will handle this issue as mayor.
So once again, I am asking you to take a few minutes and call the following: Speaker Adrienne Adams: 718-206-2068 or 718-307-5759 Ask her to put Intro 967 on the Council Calendar for a hearing Council Member Lynn Schulman: 718-544-8800 Ask her to hold a hearing of the Health Committee, of which she is chair, on Intro 967 You will probably have to leave a message for both offices. There is also a demo at Clinton Park Stables — 618 W. 52nd St. at noon today
© 2025 Elizabeth Forel
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