AN OPEN LETTER TO NYC MAYOR DEBLASIO

AN OPEN LETTER TO NYC MAYOR DEBLASIO

WHEN MR. MAYOR.  WHEN!!??  
WHEN WILL THE  HORSE-CARRIAGE TRADE BE SHUT DOWN? 

Carriage horses suffer in heat; driver exploits system and ignores the law; high turnover - where do all the horses go?

Dear Mayor deBlasio:

In 2006, our organization, the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages, started the campaign to ban the horse carriage trade--more than 8 years ago.  Since that time, we have persistently and consistently lobbied, campaigned and educated people about this issue.  We were thrilled when you were elected. 

When you were campaigning to be elected mayor, you made a promise to ban horse-drawn carriages.  You even said you would do it on your first day in office, which we knew was not practical.  So we waited.   We were very happy yesterday  to hear that you once again confirmed your commitment to ban the horse-drawn carriage trade. 

But the question remains as to when that will happen. 

This is not just a cruelty issue.  It is also a public safety issue.  Horses weighing 2,000 pounds, who are nervous and spook easily, should not be on congested streets.  When a horse spooks and bolts, the end result may well be serious injury and death to both the horse and bystanders.  People have died in horse-carriage accidents around the world, and it is only a matter of time before it happens here. 

This has gone on too long.   The horses are suffering in the heat and humidity and the public has not seen any sign of movement toward a ban.  You were the first mayoral candidate ever to take animal cruelty seriously, or so it seemed--and many of us volunteered in your campaign office, showing up at every debate to cheer you on and proclaim our support for a humane mayor.   

So what happened?   Why has this been put on the back burner?  Bills, public hearings and more debates will take this into next year at least.  This is not what any of us expected or supported. 

PLEASE PUT THE HORSES IN THE SHADE!  AT LEAST!  

Last week I wrote twice to your office asking if you would AT LEAST move the carriage horses to the shady side of the street at the hack line, while we wait for the ban to 
​happen.  As Mayor, you have the power to make this small but important change; we do not.  It would mean a great deal to the horses.

Once more, your staff was silent and I got no response at all, not even an acknowledgement.   This is nothing new but it is always disappointing.   Please remember that we were your "boots on the ground."    We showed up at every mayoral debate and forum and worked the streets.   And this was because you said you would ban the carriage horse trade and do something about the animal control agency, which continues to kill healthy cats and dogs in big numbers. 

But the important thing here is that the horses continue to stand in the hot sun without a respite.  And horse accidents and institutional cruelty continue, and the cats and dogs keep dying.   

As the letter explained, the tree-shaded area closest to the park on East Drive and Central Park South is already congested with vendors selling food and crafts.  All of these vendors are under sun umbrellas.  The carriage horses have no sun protection while most of the drivers wear hats.  It is not fair to the horses.  They suffer greatly from the heat, and switching places with the vendors would be a positive gesture while we wait for the ban to take place.  It is not a perfect solution, but it will help somewhat.  As with humans, horses are at risk from heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  Horse experts are unequivocal in advocating for the prevention of heat-related illnesses in horses.  Here is one veterinarian's advice for doing so.  

In 2007, the Comptroller’s office released an audit of  two of the agencies that oversee the  carriage-horse trade--the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Consumer Affairs.   

horses at hack line - no shade

no shade on the hack line

Page 14 of the audit made this point:   

 During the summer months, the asphalt where the horses line up becomes very hot.  Other materials, such as concrete, would be easier on the horses’ hooves.  In addition, on hot days, there is little shade for the horses, which could cause them to overheat.

But nothing was ever done.  

DRIVER VIOLATES THE LAW

Several days this past week--and this week,   the temperature went above 90 degrees, and the NYPD did send the drivers back to the stables. However, all other humane issues are ignored. It would appear that the  NYPD's taking over of humane law enforcement is not working. 

The police do not like anyone telling them what to do and they work in a vacuum.  Every officer I have spoken with was not familiar with the humane regulations that govern the carriage horse industry and most did not care.   Something needs to be done about this.   We need law enforcement and we need transparency. 

On Thursday,  July 3, 2014, a carriage driver and spokesperson for the carriage industry worked her horse after the heat suspension took place.  Regardless of whether this driver knew or did not know that there was a suspension, she agreed to take a one-hour drive with customers, knowing that it was very hot and humid and her horse should not be working.  She could have refused the ride or offered her passengers the 20 minute loop around the park.  She did not. 

On the evening of July 3rd, there was a torrential downpour, which included lightning and thunder.  There were flash flood warnings all day that come through cell phones.  Yet,  the drivers were out working even though it is against the law to work horses in adverse weather conditions, which include heavy rain.  The NYPD ignores this regulation, which is part of the City Charter, and Administrative Code.  

horse in torrential downpour, bogged down by heavy equipment

These are the kinds of situations that we see repeated over and over in this business by unscrupulous carriage drivers who put profit ahead of horse well-being. Any time an animal is worked for money, the animal loses.  It is a conflict of interest:  Money and greed vs. consideration for the animal’s well-being. 

By  stalling and not owning this issue you have allowed the Daily News to control the dialogue and negatively influence public opinion, which resulted in unfavorable polling--literally turning the percentages  around against us.  Before the Daily News began this onslaught, every poll taken consistently showed 75 to 80% of respondents in favor of a ban.  This is a consequence of a deliberate campaign of misinformation, all driven by an editorial board that is feeling the sting of political defeat.  This newspaper is not your friend and is not the horses' friend.  It is using this issue as a metaphor for your progressive agenda.  Please understand this.  If  the Daily News wins on this issue, they will look for others on which to defeat you.  

Please ban this inhumane and unsafe business now.

Sincerely

Elizabeth Forel / President / Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages
www.banhdc.org