State of the Campaign

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."~attributed to Mahatma Gandhi

Activists in support of a ban on horse-drawn carriage operations in New York City are well acquainted with the first three stages of a nonviolent activism campaign. We've been taunted and ridiculed about jobs, appearance and apparel, personal lives, motives--an irrelevant diversion tactic, of course. 

Public support of an outright ban has been consistent in media polls and surveys conducted since 2006; generally at least 75% of respondents favor a ban. Our petition on Change.org is approaching 126,000 signatures in support of the state ban bill that would put an end to this institutionalized cruelty. Please sign the petition, even if you live outside of New York City. Letters on your behalf to Albany are generated automatically when you sign. If you haven't signed yet, now would be a great time, with the Legislature back in session. Keep signing and sharing!

The Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages believes that the state ban bill is the most expedient way to end this inherently inhumane and dangerous industry. A ban must not be dependent on an untried business alternative. Let's get the carriages banned first--and put the horses' well-being first. In contrast to current city law--which does nothing to protect the horses from going to slaughter--the state ban bill specifically addresses what will happen to the horses: humane and happy endings. 

If you are new to this campaign, consider the state ban bill your first "Action Alert"! Please sign and share. And if you live in New York City, join us for an educational outreach event on Sunday, January 13, at the hack line (59th Street near Fifth Avenue).  Remember: we've been ignored, laughed at, and scorned--and we're just getting warmed up!

Related links
Facebook:
No Walk in the Park, the official FB page of the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages
What Will Happen to the Carriage Horses If There Is a Ban
Horses Without Carriages International, our sister organization