New York City Councilmember Robert Holden is leaving office with a final push to outlaw horse-drawn carriages from Central Park and halt the issuance of new licenses for these vehicles. Critics say that this move would only exacerbate the already inhumane conditions faced by the horses, condemning them to urban environments that are unsuitable for their needs.
Holden has long been an advocate for this cause, citing instances where horses have become distressed due to the park's extreme climate and traffic congestion. A recent incident in which a carriage driver was acquitted of animal abuse charges after his horse collapsed on the street highlights these concerns. Furthermore, a tragic event in Hell’s Kitchen resulted in the death of another horse named Lady.
The Councilmember claims that horses are naturally prey animals prone to panic when startled, which could lead to accidents. However, critics like Alexander Kemp from TWU Local 100 argue that Holden's efforts are driven by partisan interests rather than genuine concern for animal welfare. They suggest that the true goal is to pave the way for real estate developers who want to redevelop the stables' locations.
Despite having 21 co-sponsors, the bill remains stuck in the Council's health committee. However, Holden has invoked a rarely used rule to force a vote on his proposal. The fate of this bill now rests with the committee as it prepares to meet next Friday at 10 am.
Holden has long been an advocate for this cause, citing instances where horses have become distressed due to the park's extreme climate and traffic congestion. A recent incident in which a carriage driver was acquitted of animal abuse charges after his horse collapsed on the street highlights these concerns. Furthermore, a tragic event in Hell’s Kitchen resulted in the death of another horse named Lady.
The Councilmember claims that horses are naturally prey animals prone to panic when startled, which could lead to accidents. However, critics like Alexander Kemp from TWU Local 100 argue that Holden's efforts are driven by partisan interests rather than genuine concern for animal welfare. They suggest that the true goal is to pave the way for real estate developers who want to redevelop the stables' locations.
Despite having 21 co-sponsors, the bill remains stuck in the Council's health committee. However, Holden has invoked a rarely used rule to force a vote on his proposal. The fate of this bill now rests with the committee as it prepares to meet next Friday at 10 am.
I mean, think about it - if Robert Holden's really trying to help these horses, why's he gonna outlaw them from Central Park? That just smells like a power play to me 
And now they're saying his real motive is to make way for developers? Come on, let's not get too caught up in the horse poop 
. What if this is all just a big distraction while the city's making more money off their real issues? I'm calling foul here 
The people deserve better than just a bunch of horse drama 
. I mean, I get why Holden wants to help the horses, but come on, this is just another example of NYC's outdated charm vs reality situation 
. We need to think about the welfare of those poor animals first! They're already living in cramped conditions with all that noise and pollution... does anyone really think they thrive in Central Park? 
It's just so cruel. And what's up with these 'experts' who say it's not Holden's fault but rather some devs trying to make a buck? 
Can't we just focus on doing the right thing for once?! 
they're already struggling in the city and you can just imagine how harsh Central Park is going to be for them... heat, noise, traffic 
it's like they're being put through a nightmare! Robert Holden seems really passionate but maybe his intentions aren't entirely pure? 
! I mean, can you imagine being stuck in Central Park all day, day after day, with those crazy New Yorkers zooming by? It's like, no wonder they get stressed out 
. And yeah, the whole situation with Lady the horse in Hell's Kitchen was just heartbreaking 
. I'd rather see him fight for something as important as animal welfare than let the city's interests get in the way 
. Fingers crossed that his bill gets passed and those horses can live a better life 
!
! I mean, come on, horses in Central Park are basically stuck in traffic jams 24/7 
. It's like they're living in a nightmare. Holden's got some valid points about the extreme climate and traffic congestion being bad for those poor guys. And let's be real, how many times can you see those beautiful animals getting jostled around by tourists before it takes its toll? 
. Holden's been vocal about this issue for years and has some serious credentials when it comes to animal welfare. And as for the real estate developers, yeah, that's a pretty obvious motive 
! Those horses deserve better than living in one of the most iconic parks in the world. They should be out in some peaceful pasture, not stuck in traffic with tourists snapping pics all day 
. I'm all for Holden pushin' this bill, even if it means stirrin' up some controversy 
I just can't believe what's going on in NYC! The horses are already suffering so much, and we're supposed to add more stress by banning carriages? 
. And can we please stop making excuses for the horse-drawn carriage industry? "Urban environments are unsuitable" for horses? Give me a break! 
They're just horses, they're gonna be stressed out in any environment.
. The fact is, these horses are already being exploited for human entertainment purposes. If we can't even be bothered to treat them with basic respect and care, then maybe they shouldn't be here in the first place 
. It's always something, whether it's gentrification or animal welfare concerns. Holden just wants to get rid of those horses in Central Park but honestly, can't he think about how this will affect the horse owners who rely on them for a living? And what's with all these partisan politics? Can't we just have a real debate about the issue at hand?
. Let's just hope Holden's horses don't suffer too much in the meantime 
Did you know that NYC has over 1,400 horses, which is roughly 0.3% of its total population? 
The horse industry generates around $20 million annually from tourism alone. 
If we ban horses, that money could go up in smoke 
. Plus, I'm not buying that whole "partisan interests" thing 
They've been stuck in Central Park for ages, and it's clear that their living conditions are pretty harsh. I mean, have you seen the pictures of them sweating it out on those hot summer days? It's heartbreaking.
I'm all for giving those horses a break from the crazy NYC streets. It's like, they're stuck in these tiny carriages day in and day out, dealing with heatstroke and traffic jams... 