Animal Cruelty Caught in NYC As Horses Forced to Work in Extreme Heat

NYCLASS captured footage of horse carriages in poor conditions on Wednesday, July 5th. The tweet, shared by the animal rights organization shed light on issues that animals are facing in the city. That day, NYC’s Department of Health ordered the suspension of horse-drawn carriages due to extreme heat and poor air quality. But, that did not stop owners from continuing rides with no consequences long after the rules were made clear. Under New York State law, the horses cannot be forced to work in that heat index.

Director of NYCLASS, Edita Birnkrant issued a statement saying, “It is unlawful for carriage horses to work in extreme heat conditions, but that is exactly what is happening. Long after the City belatedly suspended operations on Wednesday, horses were captured on video pulling carriages in excessive heat and humidity. This flagrant disregard of the law without any consequences reflects a major breakdown in the enforcement system. It’s unconscionable that City agencies are turning a blind eye to this abuse – and it’s only getting worse. Before another horse drops dead on the streets of Manhattan, the City needs to take action to phase out shameful, dangerous horse carriage abuse like most major international cities have done. The TWU should be protecting workers and horses from abuse, not providing cover for wealthy carriage owners and real estate moguls.”

Additionally, the order came late according to the equine heat index. Over the Fourth of July weekend, the weather was pushed over the edge but no suspension was issued at all. Given both the heat and the humidity, it was apparent what should have been done but the city council failed to take action.

This video is a call to action to speak out against animal cruelty and forced labor. It sheds light on the various ways that humans are taking advantage of creatures for their own benefit and not looking out for their wellbeing.

Sign this petition to end horse carriage rides in New York City.

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Related Content:

• Chicago’s Horse-Drawn Carriage Ban Went Into Effect on January 1, 2021
• NYC Introduces Bill to Replace Horse-Drawn Carriages with Electric Ones
• Philadelphia Unveils Electric Horseless Carriage During Independence Day Parade
• Advocates Call to Fast-Track Bill to Phase Out Horse Carriages After Yet Another Overworked NYC Horse Violently Collapses on Pavement
• Melbourne Bans Horse-Drawn Carriages in Certain Areas

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