Fwd: NYC - Poll closed - Total ban of carriage horse industry wins

[Guest guest]

 

Elizabeth Forel <elizforel

elizforel

Tue, Mar 23, 2010 3:54 am

NYC - Poll closed - Total ban of carriage horse industry wins

 

 

 

PLEASE FORWARD

 

This is from Gothamist.com

 

http://gothamist.com/2010/03/13/changes_proposed_for_carriage_horse.php

Changes Proposed For Carriage Horse Industry

 

Yesterday the

City Council's Consumer Affairs Committee held a hearing regarding carriage horses and how

proposed bills may help transform the industry, which is under constant

scrutiny by animal rights groups.

Four bills were discussed in a packed room with over 250 people in

attendance, where council members differed on their opinions. While Leroy

Comrie (Queens) said, "The horse carriage industry is part of what makes

New York City special," councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito declared,

"I don't think it's the only reason why people come to New York—to ride in

a horse carriage."

Amongst the bills discussed was one suggesting the replacement of

horse-drawn carriages with a more humane antique electric car; another aimed to

restrict carriage rides to Central Park; and another to eliminate them all

together. The hot topic seemed to be a proposal that would raise rates from $34

to $50 for a 20 minute ride, giving the industry its first rate hike in 21

years. With this increase would come new regulations, like giving horses a 5 week vacation.

According to the

NY Times, the hearing was the first to be held regarding the bills, and if

any pass the committee, they'll be brought before the full Council.

How should the carriage horse industry be transformed? (Poll Closed)

 

Only allow horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park.

10% (87

votes)

 

Replace horses with antique fuel-efficient electric cars.

31% (267

votes)

 

Provide the horses with a vacation and safer working

conditions. 24% (211 votes)

 

Eliminate the carriage horse industry all together. 35% (306 votes)

 

Total Votes: 871

 

 

--

Elizabeth Forel

Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages

www.banhdc.org

Horses Without Carriages International

www.horseswithoutcarriages.org