PETA Asks Mayor To Ban Horse Carriages
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Horse-drawn carriage rides have always been a unique way for New Yorkers and tourists alike to experience the delights of Central Park, and Manhattan in general. Recently, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has requested New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to follow the lead set by cities such as Las Vegas, Palm Beach, Fla., Santa Fe, Paris, London and Toronto, and ban horses from city streets.
The request comes after a Jan. 2 accident where a carriage driver was injured and a horse had to be put down. The accident occurred when a horse pulling a carriage, with no passengers other than the driver, ran through traffic, hitting a car.
Supporters of the ban are clearly met with those who oppose ending this New York tradition. In an article in USA Today, one tourist said they felt PETA was taking the matter too far and that taking a horse-drawn carriage ride was unique to Central Park.
Others feel that it is dangerous to have horses on the streets, in addition to it being inhumane as horses often work in extreme weather conditions, both hot and cold. Still, however, a stable owner who has been giving rides in New York for nearly 20 years said his horses are in terrific shape and visit the veterinarian weekly, in addition to receiving four months off per year.