Horse Hoof Expert Calls for NYC Carriage Horse Ban Amid Reports of Severe Neglect

Concerns over the welfare of New York City’s carriage horses have resurfaced following alarming findings by an equine structural therapist. The therapist, who specializes in horse hoof care, recently examined several carriage horses and was appalled by the condition of their hooves, describing them as a “crime scene” and expressing horror at the level of neglect. According to her, many of these horses are suffering from severe hoof issues, including “caudal heel pain” and a “forward displaced hoof capsule,” conditions that cause immense pain and improper posture. She highlighted the tragic impact of such neglect, particularly for horses that pound the city streets for up to 10 hours a day.

The situation has drawn strong reactions from animal welfare advocates, including Edita Birnkrant, Executive Director of NYCLASS. Birnkrant pointed to a specific case involving a 19-year-old carriage horse named Raspberry, who was reported in May 2023 for appearing lame. Despite these reports, Raspberry remains on the streets, pulling carriages despite his deteriorating condition. Birnkrant criticized the Department of Health for failing to act on clear signs of neglect, comparing the situation to that of Ryder, a carriage horse who died after being forced to work despite suffering from cancer.

These findings have fueled Support for the newly revised Ryder’s Law (Intro 967), which seeks to ban horse-drawn carriages in the city. The law, introduced in June, has been updated to remove provisions for electric carriage replacements and now includes a workforce retraining program for current drivers, as well as plans for the humane retirement of the horses.

The urgency of the situation was further underscored by recent incidents, including a carriage horse in Central Park being filmed in respiratory distress and reports of drivers violating city laws by forcing elderly, limping horses to work in extreme heat. The Unbridled Heroes Project, a group of combat Marine veterans dedicated to horse rescue, conducted wellness checks on these horses and released a video documenting their findings. The footage showed horses in distress, laboring under harsh conditions in blatant disregard for both animal welfare and public safety.

Council Member Robert Holden and advocates like Amy McCambridge, CEO of The Unbridled Heroes Project, have joined the call to pass Ryder’s Law and end what they describe as the “barbaric” and “inhumane” carriage horse industry in New York City. With 71% of polled New Yorkers supporting a ban, the pressure on the City Council and Mayor Eric Adams to act is mounting. The movement to protect these horses from further suffering continues to gain momentum, with many hoping that the passage of Ryder’s Law will finally bring an end to this long-standing issue.

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• NYC Carriage Horse Rescued from Slaughter Auction After Being Discarded by Owner
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