Don't make a date with cruelty

Say "no" to a carriage ride
Not a drop of water for the horses on January 27, when this picture was taken at Central Park. This is in blatant violation of the law. The Department of Health is completely unable, and apparently unwilling, to enforce the laws requiring the industry to provide an adequate amount of potable water for the carriage horses.The spigots to these troughs are turned off for half the year, and the drivers claim they carry water in buckets. That would be a neat trick, since the horses need a minimum of 10 to 12 gallons of water a day in cold weather.
Photo by Donny Moss (January 27, 2010, Central Park)
Related post on Carriage Horses -- NYC blog

No life for a horse

A New York City carriage horse's long days and nights are likely to be miserable, from the commute in heavy traffic to food that leaves something to be desired. And then, it's back to the multistory stables.
Video courtesy of YouTube member "DriversRunninScared."

Horses Without Carriages International

A global initiative helping horses
From Ireland to Israel, Chicago (right) to Boston, activists came out for an international day of action last weekend. Dublin (below) was all about educational outreach, and well-received! Chicago activists were not stopped by the freezing cold--they spoke with many passersby about the conditions under which those poor horses toil. More reports to follow from these groups that are being voices for the horses, who can't speak for themselves. A great day of activism!
Dublin, Ireland

No walk in the park

No walk in the park
Originally uploaded by mac6036

Images from Manhattan on a day of global action: "Horses Without Carriages International." The initiative brought people out in various cities to publicize the plight of the carriage horses, advocate for bans, and engage in educational outreach. A very successful and invigorating event at Central Park! Council Member and mayoral candidate Tony Avella, who introduced a bill that would ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City, spoke briefly and passionately about this blight on the city. Many people shared their support for a ban and wanted to get involved with ongoing work to get the word out. A high-impact message for people to "Pity the Poor Horses" and work for a ban.
Click on the photo to see more images

Carriage horses have it made. Right?

The reality is very different from the fairy-tale portrayal seen in ads. Get a feel for how wretched the long days are for New York City carriage horses. Hint: they don't live in the park.

Video courtesy of YouTube member "HorsesinNYC"; added October 2008

Support a ban on horse-drawn carriages in New York City, a position that is supported by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Friends of Animals and numerous other organizations seeking a ban.