New York City Mayor Eric Adams has just announced that he will sign an executive order to crack down on the cruel horse-carriage industry, and he’s urging the City Council to pass a full ban.
This order represents the strongest action yet from City Hall. It directs the NYPD to enforce laws against illegal and dangerous carriage operations, orders the Department of Transportation to move boarding areas to less-trafficked spots in Central Park, and prepares the city for the day that the New York City Council finally passes a ban.
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This is just the initial step. Mayor Adams is unable to implement a full ban until the City Council approves Ryder’s Law. With deadlines approaching, time is of the essence.
Ryder’s Law was enacted following the tragic incident involving Ryder, a 26-year-old carriage horse who collapsed from exhaustion on a busy Manhattan street. Video footage of Ryder lying helplessly on the pavement, as his driver attempted to force him back to his feet, ignited worldwide outrage. Despite widespread protests and public calls for action, the carriage horse industry persists with little oversight and few consequences.
World Animal News (WAN ) traveled to New York City last year to meet with NYCLASS and witnessed firsthand the disturbing conditions these horses endure. We visited their stables, tucked between Midtown’s towering high-rises, where horses are kept in dark, cramped stalls with no pastures, little fresh air, and no true rest from the city’s relentless noise and stress.
Just last month, tragedy struck again. Lady, a 15-year-old carriage horse, collapsed and died in Hell’s Kitchen while returning to her stable from Central Park. The heartbreaking video, which was shared by Voters For Animal Rights, renewed calls for urgent action.
How many more horses have to collapse, suffer, or die before New York City ends this outdated and cruel industry?
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