Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages

NY SUN  
11/29/07    

Fate of Horse Drawn Carriages In Balance   
Straight for the horse's mouth, Councilman Tony Avella is nothing more than an ill-formed, publicity-seeking opportunist who is shamefully using our small horse carriage industry of hard-working families for his own cheap political gain [New York, "Fate of Horse Drawn Carriages In Balance," Thursday, November 29, 2007.] For the record, our beloved and well-cared for carriage horses are deemed in excellent health and condition by the New York City Department of Health, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and our own independent veterinarians. Contrary to Mr. Avella's misinformed and misleading comments, we have an impeccable safety record throughout our long and proud history in the City of New York. Calling for a ban on a working-class NYC industry that is 100-years old and highly popular with tourists and New Yorkers and considered 100% humane by all licensed animal welfare groups and agencies for a few cheap headlines is the real horse manure. To quote Mr. Avella's own words during the pedicab regulation debates: "The marketplace should decide if this business should exist rather than the City Council," Mr. Avella said. "Don't stifle an industry - one that is actually good for the environment."   

IAN McKEEVER, Shamrock Stables - On behalf of the Horse & Carriage Association of New York - New York, N.Y.