Political entrenchment 101

Why haven't horse-drawn carriages been banned, you ask?
Many thoughtful, rational residents find it incomprehensible that New York City still allows horse-drawn carriages on the streets and ignores the inherent dangers, to say nothing of the inherent cruelty of this industry. And it is an industry, complete with profit margins and difficult decisions about when the "equipment" has outlived its usefulness. Some, like Bud (pictured), are casualties of the job itself.

For those who are new to this issue, perhaps a review is in order. There are some shameful connections between those who supposedly would reform this cash industry and those who are profiting from it. Among them, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda Gibbs, a Bloomberg appointee who oversees the Dept of Health, is married to lobbyist Thomas McMahon, whose lone associate in his firm, Jean Kim, is lobbying for the carriage horse industry. Gibbs' brother-in-law also has been representing the carriage industry. Does this seem right?
As you can see, efforts at meaningful reform are doomed to fail--a complete joke. Then there's the corrupt Christine Quinn, speaker of the City Council and renowned animal-hater, who scares away any council members who would support the bill to ban horse-drawn carriages. Just run a Google search of "Christine Quinn slush fund" and read about some of her recent shenanigans.
Take Action! Call City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and tell her that you support a ban on horse-drawn carriages, a measure that is endorsed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Humane Society of the United States, to name a few organizations. You'll speak with an aide, no doubt, as Quinn will probably be on the phone with her $600-an-hour lawyer.
Not a New York City resident? Call anyway!

A moment in the life of a carriage horse

A Compassionate Visitor to NYC

Carriages romantic? Reconsider
Becky, a horse owner in Kentucky, has been following the plight of New York City's carriage horses. In a comment on The Central Park Blog, she described the way her own horses are cared for: they get ample rest after a short ride, a good cooling down, and plenty of turnout. It paints a picture that is in stark contrast to the lives of the carriage horses, who are warehoused in standing stalls or small box stalls during the precious few hours that they are not hitched to the carriage. Granted, space is at a premium in Manhattan, a situation that exacerbates the problem of the welfare of these horses--most of whom live on upper floors and must climb steep ramps inside the stables. Not to mention the traffic and the creative solutions that some drivers employ, such as U-turns on Central Park South.

"Horse owners in KY have been arrested & charged with animal cruelty for less than they’re doing there," Becky observed in her post on The Central Park Blog. "When I visit Central Park this summer I’m certain I’ll view the carriages much differently - & won’t be paying to get in one."

Do your travel plans include a visit to NYC and a ride in a horse-drawn carriage? Please reconsider, and make sure you have the facts to make an informed decision. A full ban is supported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Humane Society of the United States, Friends of Animals, and a large coalition of organizations.
The editor also wishes to recognize the superlative gutlessness of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who could do something about this industry--but won't. Maybe he had his spine removed? Every time he speaks, I am reminded of the famous headline: "Mush From the Wimp."
Photo courtesy of the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages

Horses Working Through the Heat

Heat Wave This Weekend
New York City is in the midst of a heat wave, and you can be sure the horses are out in the searing heat and humidity. By law, the carriage horses are not to be working whenever the air temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Because the law does not take "heat index" into account, the high humidity is not factored into the equation. The risk is serious. Horses can die of hyperthermia in just a few hours, and the burden of heat stress to the horses is not necessarily reflected in the official weather bureau readings. As an example, the air temperature as recorded by the weather bureau can be nearly 50 degrees cooler than the actual asphalt temperature at street level, a Cornell University study found. The New York City Department of Transportation has found that asphalt surfaces can reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Compounding the risk is the problem of inadequate water supply for the horses.
Photo courtesy of the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages
You can see how working outside in these conditions poses clear risks. So, when you see a carriage horse working when temperatures are 90 or higher, call the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to file a report (and good luck getting through). The ASPCA's offices are closed on weekends, so when excessive heat is forecast on a Friday for the upcoming weekend, call the ASPCA (212-876-7700, ext. 4450) and urge that a Humane Law Officer be on the job at the park. It is important to let the ASPCA know that you are concerned about the health and safety of the horses. Put the phone number into your phone "Contact" list and keep an eye on the horses this summer. Until there is a ban, let's do all we can to help the horses.
Support a ban on horse-drawn carriages in New York City

Tickets online now for Blinders!

"Blinders," the documentary by independent filmmaker Donny Moss, is being screened locally this weekend. Don't miss your opportunity to see this important film, which exposes the truth behind the tradition of New York City's horse-drawn carriage industry.
Buy advance tickets online for screenings on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, at the Staten Island Film Festival (SINY).
Blinders, Winner of "Best Film" in the Point of View category, International Wildlife Film Festival, 2008
Upcoming screenings in Toronto, Great Barrington, Mass., Great Neck, NY -- more information
NEW! TRAVEL INFORMATION for the Staten Island Film Festival (SINY)

Romantic? Not

Chessbluff writes of romance and horse-drawn carriages:

If you need a carriage ride to fall in love with each other, then maybe you need to consider your options. Like, look for another partner! Get a cab, and leave the horses alone."

Well said. Check out his post: "New York City. Horse-Drawn Carriages. Animal Cruelty" at the "On Loving Animals..." blog.

Off-topic, of interest

Horse slaughter is a grisly and inhumane business, and your federal lawmakers need to hear from you in 2008 if this extreme cruelty of inhumane export and slaughter is to end. A cable sports show (Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, #134) takes a look at issues of export and slaughter of thoroughbred race horses for profit. Tune in to HBO2 for "Slaughter of Thoroughbreds," being re-aired on Monday, June 2. Check air times here.
Read "Saving Horses, One Thoroughbred at a Time" (New York Times, May 17, 2008) "They are young. So why not find them new jobs?" says Laurie Condurso-Lane, horse rescuer. She speaks of trying to outbid the kill buyers, one horse at a time. But the rescuers can't save all the horses. Advocates say about 15% of horses sent to slaughter are racehorses who didn't live up to expectations. Some have labeled these horses "stable to table," a grisly reference to the horse meat industry.
Take Action: Ask your federal lawmakers to support HR 503/S. 311, which would both end the slaughter of American horses for human consumption and prohibit their export for slaughter in other countries. Carriage horses, race horses, and all other horses would be protected by this measure.
Photo: B.J. left, and Fishy, fast friends. Credit: Jessica Kourkounis for The New York Times