This recent video filmed by NYCLASS brings about all sorts of emotions: anger, sadness, and anxiety. It involves a carriage horse who is clearly suffering from the scorching temperatures he is being forced to work in. The poor horse is tense, breathing heavily, and almost looks as if he may collapse at any moment. According to the individual speaking in the video, it’s not even 10 a.m., which means two horrifying things – this horse will likely be working for several more hours, and it’s not even the hottest part of the day yet. As the caption explained, the horse was out on a day that NYC had issued a heat advisory, making it all the more unacceptable for the animal to be out on the hot streets.

This is the reality of carriage horses in New York City day after day, and the city’s laws around carriage horse protection are NOT being enforced. Temperatures are not the only cause for concern for these innocent horses. Horse carriage accidents have become a major issue, putting the horses, drivers, and pedestrians at risk. Additionally, the loud and busy streets of NYC cause undue stress for these horses, making for a potentially dangerous situation. All of these reasons and more are exactly why serious changes need to be made to horse-drawn carriage operations.

NYCLASS is presenting a reform bill that would protect horses, pedestrians, and even the carriage drivers themselves. An important part of the legislation would be restricting carriage horses from Columbus Circle, as this area in Central Park South is very busy, very loud, and very dangerous. You can help push this crucial legislation to the forefront by calling relevant council members and voicing your Support of horse-drawn carriage reform in NYC!