Council Member Tony Avella Boosts Campaign to Ban Horse-Drawn Vehicles in NYC
Early this month, the New York Times published Friends of Animals New York representative Edita Birnkrant’s Call to Boycott and End the Carriage Horse Industry (City Section; 9 Sep. 2007), which states:
New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry shouldn’t be seen as a permanent fixture just needing cleanup. It’s time to end the business entirely.” Birnkrant added, “Exploitation is not an appropriate tourist attraction.
Just days later, a mare named Smoothie broke free after being spooked by street noises, ran into a tree, and died.
With high-profile press conferences, interviews, and a candlelight vigil, Friends of Animals, The Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages, and other supporters have raised public awareness about Smoothie, to join together with other activists in New York City, and to call yet again for a ban on the exploitative industry.
NY1 News, in their piece titled “Animal Rights Groups Call For End Of Hansom Cabs,” reported “animal rights activists rallied” to ask Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the City Council to push legislation that would ban the industry.
“It’s the 21st century,” Edita Birnkrant of Friends of Animals told NY1. “It may be a tradition, but it’s one that we need to let go of, because it’s exploitative, it’s unnecessary, and it sends a message of disrespect towards other animals.”
Then, some inspiring news was unveiled.
NYC Council Member Tony Avella (Queens) announced to the press immediate plans to draft and sponsor legislation that would ban horse-drawn carriages. Avella’s decision marks the first time a politician has decided to sponsor a bill seeking to ban the carriage industry in New York City.
Present at the press conference was Broadway actor and singer Nellie Mckay, who declared, “We will never have human rights until we stop the wholesale exploitation of animals and the environment.”
Edita Birnkrant also addressed the crowd and press, noting that future tragedies are inevitable unless New Yorkers support this opportunity to finally end this business in New York City. Birnkrant urged New Yorkers to contact their district Council Member to express their strong support for legislation that would ban the industry.
To support Council Member Tony Avella’s proposed ban, contact:
Tony Avella
District 19 Office
38-50 Bell Blvd., Suite C
Bayside, New York 11361
District Office Phone: 718.747.2137
District Office Fax: 718.747.3105
What next?
When the industry closes, we at Friends of Animals are committed to assuring every affected horse is placed in a permanent sanctuary. In the coming weeks we expect to work with Council Member Avella in assuring that our shared vision will become a reality, and a long overdue relief for the horses.