News & Announcements
Dena Allen - January 30, 2009
My
name is Dena Allen and I live in Brooklyn. I am with the
Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages and I am here to speak in
support of Intro. 658, the bill that would ban horse-drawn carriages.
We've all heard the industry assertion that
theirs is among the most heavily regulated of any industry.
All the rules in the world, however, are meaningless
without enforcement.
And there is NOT a posse large enough in the universe—nor enough public funds—to impose order on this industry.
As
the ASPCA said in a recent news release: "The TRUTH is that many horses
are subject to working in POOR CONDITIONS…and the LAWS that are
supposed to be protecting these animals are not always enforced."
That is an understatement.
The
2007 audit of the industry made clear that the city agencies have
dropped the ball with respect to the horses' care.
The
DEPARTMENTS of Health and Consumer Affairs share primary responsibility
to licensing and oversight of the horses, drivers, carriages and
stables.
The AUDIT was critical of BOTH departments' efforts in those areas.
The
audit said BOTH agencies rely on VOLUNTARY inspections by the ASPCA…
which has no formal agreement to perform those services.
And for all intents and purposes, it DOESN'T.
The ASPCA utters barely a word about the industry and the lack of enforcement, thus effectively sanctioning bad behavior, including traffic violations.
The Parks Department and NYPD also have enforcement authority…but don't often exercise such authority with the drivers.
This Wild West mentality has to stop.
Coalition To Ban
Horse-Drawn Carriages

A Committee of the Coalition For New York City Animals, Inc.
Contact:
The Coalition for
NYC Animals, Inc.
P.O. Box 20247
Park West Station
New York, NY 10025
e-mail
Coalition@banhdc.org