Signatures Needed To Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages In NYC After Horse Collapses And Is Euthanized Shortly After

In a heartbreaking video that went viral last month, onlookers witnessed an exhausted carriage horse collapsing in New York’s Central park, only to be euthanized shortly after.

On February 28th, the tragic event unfolded after a carriage horse that had fallen over in the middle of Central Park, struggled to regain its footing. As it advances with its forelegs, its back legs dragged against the concrete. It tries again, but to no avail, and finally collapses onto its side. It was yet another tragic end for such a majestic animal.

Perhaps the saddest part of the story is that the horse’s handlers didn’t even try to get the animal the help that it needed. Instead of calling a vet, the carriage driver, along with several of his colleagues, carelessly threw ropes around the horse and pulled him into a trailer where he was taken away and later put down.

Not only should the Mayor immediately halt carriage rides in NYC, but the drivers should be investigated for animal cruelty and their licenses should be revoked.

Sadly, NYC is one of many American cities that still allows the outdated and completely inhumane practice of horse carriage rides to persist despite protests. Throughout the country, from Charlotte to Cleveland, horses are forced to pull tourists — sometimes through extreme conditions like snowstorms, torrential downpours, and heatwaves — all the while unaware of the real cost to the horse. Horses are not meant to walk on concrete all day long, breathing in car exhaust, and the effects on their bodies are often disastrous.

Please sign this Care2 petition to urge the Mayor of New York City to ban horse-drawn carriages and ask the NYPD to investigate the carriage horse death that occurred on February 28th, 2020. SIGN HERE!