Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages

Dina Kalra. - January 30, 2009      

My name is Dina Kalra and I live in Manhattan.   I am a retired NYC police officer and have a Masters Degree.   I am with the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages and I support Intro. 658—the bill that would ban them.    

Public opinion is becoming clearer every day—there is NO rational reason to have horse-drawn carriages in the middle of New York City. They are dangerous and inhumane.    

There is one very important risk factor in having horse-drawn carriages on city streets, and it is NOT MODIFIABLE. Horses are easily spooked.    

We have lost Spotty and Smoothie to spooking accidents, in January 2006 and September 2007, respectively.    

In July 2007, a horse named Bud spooked and collided with a taxi, injuring his leg.

One month earlier, a horse spooked and galloped into traffic on Seventh Avenue, where he was hit by an SUV and knocked to the pavement.

Spooking in traffic isn't the only risk, though.

In February 2008, 8-year-old Clancy died in his Clinton Park stable, presumably from colic. A normal horse life span is mid-20s to early 30s.

In April 2007, a TAXI crashed into a carriage. The ASPCA learned about this from a passer-by.

In September 2006, the carriage horse Juliet collapsed and died—what a sad spectacle for tourists to have to see.

And the problem list goes on.   

After the death of young Spotty, an executive with the American Pinto Horse Association explained that pintos are a gentle breed.

But he added:  "All is takes is a WEIRD NOISE and a SPLIT-SECOND REACTION for an accident like that to unfold."1

Horse-spooking accidents are an ever-present threat, even in calmer settings.

At last week's inauguration parade—surely one of the most controlled environments ever— the slam of a CAR DOOR spooked a young horse named Mouse—very nearly costing him his life.2    

New York's horse-drawn carriages are unnecessary and symbols of cruelty and poor taste.    

Shame on New York City for allowing them.

References      
1.         Santos F. Crash hospitalizes coachman. The New York Times. January 4, 2006, 2006.     
2.         Gardner K. Mouse, the horse, injured before the inaugural parade. The Frederick News-Post. January 22, 2009.

To honor
Bobby II Freedom
previously known as Billy
ID# 2873 rescued by the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages and Equine Advocates on June 25, 2010 from the New Holland auctions.

In memory of
Lilly Rose O'Reilly
previously known
as Dada ID# 2711
R.I.P.August, 2007