Pedicabs are the greenest and most appropriate replacement for carriage horses.
You can get the same enjoyment and effect from a pedicab as you could get from a carriage ride.
So there already is a viable replacement for the NYC carriages and they are already operating in the city, and so there is no excuse not to ban the carriages.
I thought people nowadays had enough with cruelty to animals. I saw how these horse carriages operate in New York and I feel such things should stop once and for all. I always believe if you love animals and took care of them like your own child than GOD will take care of you like you are HIS child.
For decades, as far back as I can remember–and I’m 70–my heart broke every time I saw a carriage horse. The one thing I disliked about going to Lncoln Center, when I worked in NYC, was seeing the carriage horses. Just standing in one place on the hard pavement is hard for a human; it’s harder for a horse. And they live in 4- and 5-floor-walk-up tenements with no heat in winter and no cooling system in summer like the minks who are in stinking cages in NY tenements, not on beautiful ranches, running free. no animal can be as cruel and indifferent as humans.
..these large teardrops on their way to my lips, taste somewhat sweet still. long ago, a multitude of tears expressed the feelings of a tender heart, beating below and under. however, as year after year places coat upon coat, a thick skin ‘protects’ one from eventually ..drying. eventually, one ‘forgets’ for one simply cannot be subject to a mere, ongoing compassion. or one becomes an annoying, tough yet so romantic an, activist..
not so long ago, during fall, winter, spring and summer seasons and their appropriate weather, entering and exiting the east 59th nyc subway stop, my dearest friend and i used to look closely and sometimes talk softly to these ..smooth operators, while they -all, one by one- stood silently, awaiting their next weight/customer. most everytime, we said that, something was missing from their physiognomy, something imprinted in one’s memory of them in some other direct contact, or from pretty wall posters and pictures in books. sadly, that particular absence were as loud as their silent, humble stance while being ‘parked’ across from The Plaza. that missing pedigree trait were none other than their pride: that innate yet noble sign of arrogance..
one morning, my friend said to one horse ‘despot’, “Sir, this animal has such elegant, tender legs; surely, s/he is not a horse-breed intended for such heavy workload..” well, need not mention the rude response in one so “nyc” kind of manner.., for ignorance should not be ever-repeated and sealed.
however, wish here to share with you, dear reader, that:
it rather is the case that, we humans would let horses be horses, or birds be birds, and so on, if and only if, we would secure firstly that, we humans are humans. only, one is not born human, as a horse is born a horse. one only Becomes human, the procedure somewhat resembling that of a ..butterfly. upbringing or education is the only way. thus, adequate schooling should not be a privilege, nor remain a civil right, but be an obligation for every ..putative human, in order to attain the state of human being. only thereafter, horses shall live as such.
I feel much sadness by the form that we continued trying the animal to all the species, but lamentably not only to the horses to all generally we make, them suffer by the pleasure to do it we used, them like for test of laboratories or of cosmetic we killed, them by its skin, since the Canadian fishermen with the seals do. Incredibly these happen in the societies “but outposts of exquisite and old self-proclaimed cultures” in the denominated countries of the first world.
A call on the matter by the animal and in their rights, from a country of the Third World
Stop to torture them, let them to live peacefully,
Horse transportation would be a more green option than cars in NYC.
So get rid of the gas guzzlers and replace with the hay burners. These horse realy don’t look destitude or depressed.
Draft horses love to pull/
Jumping horses love to jump/
racehorses love to run.
But it is in how we exploit the horse that may cause a problem. Sure there are issues to be addressed - in all that man does. But as a horse person for over 30 years what I saw in this video was someone trying to create an illusion of abuse. I saw a horse with ribs - but over all the horse was in good health. As a matter of fact all the horses had bright eyes, shiny coats and feet well shod. Horses find a colder temperature more comfortable than humans. Nature provides horses with a thick, heavy winter coat.
Why not address the issues - NYC has bridle trails - can the carriages use them? Then also can’t a special lane be made for carriages/bikes and skaters? Educate the people on proper horse management and harness fitting.
Auto accidents happen everyday in NYC and they not just limited to horse drawn vehicles.
If we ban carriage rides - what is next mounted police patrol/ drug sniffing horses/ army mules /search and rescue horses/ horse pets/ horses for sport and pleasure/ horses for the handicapped. Then what do we do with the millions of horses - set them all free to starve to death?
I WENT TO VIENNA IN FEBRUARY BECAUSE MY DAD IS AUSTRIAN AND THE HORSES ARE DOING CARRIAGE RIDES THERE BUT THEY ARE IN MUCH BETTER CONDITION. THEY HAVE ACCESS TO WATER AND AT LUNCH TIME THEY GET ONE OF THOSES BAGS ATTATCHED TO THEIR BRIDLES TO EAT THEIR LUNCH. I WORK AT A STABLES SO OBVIOUSLY I WAS LOOKING AT THE HORSES HEALTH. THEY SEEMED HAPPY AND ALSO WERE NOT GOING AROUND THE ROADS BUT WERE GOING THROUGH THE QUIET PICTURESQUE STREETS. I WAS CONTEMPLATING GOING ON A RIDE BUT IT WAS TO EXPENSIVE. THEN I REALISED HALF OF THE HORSES HAD RUBS ALL OVER THEM FROM THEIR HARNESSES AND HAD TO GO TO THE TOILET ON THE ROAD WHICH I KNOW HORSES HATE BECAUSE TO BE REALISTIC IT SPLASHES UP THEIR LEGS SO IT CAN’T BE NICE. SOME RIBS WERE SHOWING TO. THE CARRIAGE DRIVERS WERE LOOKING AFTER THEIR HORSES THOUGH. THEY KEPT PATTING THEM AND GIVING THEM LITTLE TREATS WHEN THEY HAD FINISHED THEIR RIDES. THEY WENT IN ABOUT 7.30 AND CAME BACK OUT AT ABOUT 11.30 IN THE MORNING. WE NEED ALL PLACES TO CHANGE TO BE LIKE THIS MORE AS THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT FAIRER ON THE HORSES.
I have been involved with horses for many years and I can’t believe that these carriage horses are being treated this way and nothing has changed. You can see in their eyes that they are scared and they are forced to behave this way. And that man driving the carriage reading the paper?!?! What a jerk! He not only needs to be fired from that job but he should no longer work with animals. I guess what I find cruel is the care and concern for these wonderful animals. One horse could not even reach the water to get a drink and nothing was done about it. Horses need room to relax and run around be in the grass and enjoy being a horse. They go from the street to the stall to the street again and so forth. That is also very bad for their legs to walk on that hard surface let alone seeing them trot on it! These people just obviously don’t care about the well being of the animal and all they see is that they are making money. I am so against keeping these horses like this! Horses do not belong in the streets of NYC or any other busy city for that matter!
I don´t understand the panic about it.
Whats wrong with it, the Horses are good and healthy looking.
Dressage and western riding even jumping is badest horse abuse, as well
I have a horse that is trained to harness and to pull a carriage. I would never treat my horse that way. How can New York allow this? My horse has a pasture and a warm clean barn. I would never subject him to any situation that I feel is unsafe or may potentially harm him and me. I put his well being first. New York should do the same for those poor horses. The horse need pasture and just plain country living. That type of treatment needs to stop now! I am appalled by it!
How can a City like New York do thinks like that ??????????? Every Animal has a Soul !!!!!!!
I have a Horse my self and she is living on Gras and Sand all Day and Night.
This Film is HORROR STOP IT NOW !!!!
Regarts from Sabine
I have to say: I have been horse-riding for years … stopped about 8 years ago.
But I tried to have a relationship with the horses, always have been the “relaxing-part” and we trusted each other. Always on the country-site.
I never saw a thing like that. I am shocked.
How can they do that?
A horse walking up stairs? How weird is that?
Brutal.
I hate what’s going on there … !
There are unfortunate comments on this site from those that believe, heinously and arrogantly, that we “humans” have domain over all other creatures. This site is an advocacy site, with a researched, enlightened, and humane perspective on a troubling issue. There may be other views, including those with vested interests, but those views are not at home here. Horses, majestic and sensitive, deserve much better than to be enslaved and mistreated for our folly and entertainment. To argue otherwise is to defend the dishonorable and indefensible.
15"CCsweet16" not my favorite either // Mar 15, 2008 at 2:53 pm
bird319, I don’t know if you’re aware of the PETA “forums” @PETA.org ?? You might get some help there. I get MANY questions answered/support from the PETA forum site.
I am a film student living in Chicago and am so happy with Petas involvement in banning horse drawn carriages in NY but I belive that the horses drawn carriages in Chicago are the next place to begin banning this cruel act. I truly believe that many people are simply uneducated about the mistreatment of the horses and feel that this same banning process needs to begin to take place in Chicago.
I have a documentary assignment for one of my film classes and am interested in following a person who is trying to learn more about how the horses are treated in Chicago and see how this person finds ways to begin educating the citizen of Chicago.
Does anyone know anyone living in chicago or coming to protest in chicago who would be interested in having a short documentary about their efforts to bring the awareness to Chicago?
PLEASE STOP THAT ALL!!!IT IS SO TERRIBLE AND THE HORSES CANT DEFEND!!!!!! :´-( STOP IT!!!I CANT UNDERSTAND THAT HUMANS CAN BE SO CRUEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
G’day from South Australia,
Last year my husband and I were lucky enough to travel around the USA on holidays for a month. America is an amazing country, and we met some great people on our trip.When we arrived in New York, we stayed in a great hotel overlooking Central Park.Everyday I was upset looking at the horses taking people for rides all day and all night. When we arrived back in Australia, I sent an e-mail to the mayor of New York, regarding the plight of the horses, but received no reply.I am so glad PETA is working to help the horses.It breaks my heart how some people don’t care about the working conditions of the horses, and the plight of animals in need.
Regards,
Tradition or not these animals do not deserve this kind of treatment!!! Would you treat a member of your family or close friends like this? No, so why would you do it to animals. No one person or animal deserves anything bad happen to them. Horses are not meant to be on city streets like that, they are a beautiful animal with much to appreciate about them. They cant stick up for themselves and put a stop to it, it’s far from fair to them. As a mayor of a great city Mayor Bloomberg should be standing tall with the people and animals of New York not against them. have we lost all sight of what is free and fair? This is sickening to see, everyday their lives are put at risk and what ends happening is the horse will act out and can cause a lot of damage to people, vehicles and themselves. It’s self destructive for some of them and some just aren’t lucky enough to have their lives taken away for what? So we can have a few minutes of fun at their expense. There is many other ways to enjoy ourselves instead of contributing to the growing problem. I sincerely hope all these posts are heard and something is done about this. Remember: would you treat your family like this? So why such a beautiful animal…???
can’t you all see the irony in this? there you are, knowing this is wrong and doing nothing more than posting comments. well, what do you think those drivers of those carriages are doing, nothing more than putting up with the situation, they’ve chosen to deal with. i urge you to make an actual choice…make your voices heard, and by the people that can change these things that we hate about our society. that’s the whole flippin’ reason we live in a democracy! contact your state senators, post your outrage on your myspace pages, offer people a way to make a change. PETA needs more than your vocal support…if you don’t know what you can do to help…GET WITH PETA, and they’ll tell you what you can do. i’m honored to be amongst those of you who care, but disappointed in your neglect to take real action. thank you, and be damn sure that i will make contacts, if for no other reason than to voice my outrage.
The saddest thing about this whole website is that I come back from being away for a month, and you moronic animal rights activists have not yet acquired any brains.
First of all, these carriage riders need to get with the program, in other words, they need to get their FAT and Lazy behinds off the carriage and do their own walking. This is where our tax dollars on healthcare are being wasted, by these candy asses acting as if they’re Mr and Mrs Mary Poppins fillng up spaces behind a carriage and living a sendentary lifestyle therefore increases there chances of coronary artery disease.
Secondly, even a retard can tell that these horses are not only distraught and miserable but are in danger of the environment and weight of the carriage.
I see a lot of emotion here, but not much in the way of research or knowledge of the subject, other than the biased views expressed by PETA. I am an animal lover, and a tree hugger, but I also believe in rationality and truth. You cannot “force” an animal the size of a horse to do anything without risking personal injury. Zebras are not domesticated for this very reason. If a zebra were pulling a cart in NYC then you would have a valid point. Draft animals live to pull and will do it anywhere and enjoy it so long as they are healthy and treated well, which the vast majority of these horses are.
Not knowing much about an issue and still taking action is irresponsible. All of this talk about animal enslavement has a false foundation. Abuse is real, and it should never occur. Suggesting that a symbiotic relationship cannot exist between animals and humans where both benefit is ridiculous. Is it enslavement for a tracking dog to do search and rescue work? PETA thinks so. But the truth is that the dog is having fun, finding the missing person is a game they fully enjoy. Our benefit does not constitute enslavement or abuse.
Perhaps we should liberate trees from doing the work of purifying the air we breath? We control their existence, so aren’t they our slaves as well? Oysters, clams, and muscles purify our water, thrive in places where they are placed by humans, so since humans benefit from the work they do we should put an end to it, right? Symbiosis is an important factor of life, and being ignorant of it is foolish. Try wrapping your brain around the idea that a majority of the horses just might enjoy what they do, no matter where they do it. I’m sure some do not enjoy it, and they should be relocated. A ban is just too extreme.
And for those taunting carriage drivers and passengers, do you think the horses have any idea that that taunting isn’t directed at them? This further proves my point that PETA is not interested in the well being of animals. If they were, they would never support actions that stress animals. Taunting (even if by accident) the animals is a truly unnecessary form of abuse. That is a form of terrorism. There are so many worthy organizations out there that support animal welfare without supporting terrorism. Try supporting a group that offers truth and sanity, not propaganda and radicalism.
Those who support PETA blindly are guilty of crimes against society. Yes, PETA can be identified with the holocaust. Not only have they exploited the holocaust in ads, they use the same tactics the Nazi’s used, primarily propaganda and misinformation. I assert that if most current PETA supporters were aware of the extreme beliefs propagated by PETA, they would no longer support them. If they do, then they are just as imbalanced and a danger to our future.
I believe in animal welfare, I’m an environmentalist, I support human rights, I believe in good nutrition, and I believe in being good stewards of the world we live in. I guess you could say I’m a short haired hippie, sans the drugs. PETA has accomplished some good things, but the Nazi’s built the autobahn among other good deeds. Good deeds do not make any group worthy of blind support. I’m all for worthy causes, but one should be aware of those they support.
Horse-drawn carriages is an antiquated practice that has no place in today’s modern cities. Horses are not meant to walk in heavy, noisy and polluted traffic for endless hours. It’s torture to them. For horses’ sake, we must ban this horrible practice.
(CC)sweet16!!!—”And not everybody can afford land for “running free” as you say.”
ummm…If you can’t afford land for the horse to run and roam…then you probably shouldn’t have a horse.
Guess what, when you buy something-you buy EVERYTHING that comes with it! If these horses were people, there would be an uproar! If people were used to drag around a carriage all day, then put into a building in a cage…are you serious! Its slavery to horses!
the fact of the matter is, if you wouldnt do it to a person, you shouldn’t do it to an animal. I can maybe see if you all moved your horse drawn carriages to someplace like central park, and stayed within the park away from all the noise and dangerous traffic [because not even I enjoy driving or walking on the streets of nyc] perhaps then people could see a more natural and safe environment for these animals. But even then, you’d need a safe way of transporting them from there to an open land where there are stalls and arenas for them to appropiately rest after a long and stressful day.
There’s also temperature to consider…in the hottest of heat and the coldest of cold…these animals welfare need to be taken into consideration.
…these animals are treated like those in the awful factory farming–simply a price tag…there are not viewed as a living, feeling creature.
i’m not saying you are a bad person…i just don’t feel you are considering it from the horses perspective.
if you care about the horse, you do whats best for the horse…forget about your needs…we’re talking about a life here…a life in your hands…that horse depends on you to make the right choices…since he is not able to make his own…
i know you know…the environment is not a safe place for these horses.
give land, give love, give life!
thank you for your time, and i hope you understand where we animal lovers are coming from! [p.s. we care about people too!]
“I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to the protection by man from the cruelty of man.”
-GhAnDi
I can’t not believe this, it’s torture. There’s no animal more pure and kind than a horse, and those horrible people are doing that to them?
it’s an slow death sentence to them. We must do something about it!
i think the way that people are diong this to the horses is disgusting! animals should not be forced to haul around carriges ,kept in cages or be hit by cars when on the streets because people force them to be there. this should be stooped. i think think that what Pink is doing is very important!
I just think that those poor horses should be let free to run around on acres of grass so they can be peaceful instead of being dragged around town with a million pounds of a carriage and fat tourists. Horses have feelings and pain too. So just tell me this, would you ever strap a carriage on the back of a human? NO! i didn’t think so, than why would you do it to a poor defencless animal, who loves you, even though you are hurting him/her.
As someone who used to show horses (clydesdales to be exact) at horse shows and have driven them in parades, I know the precautions and preparations that go into making things as safe as possible for the horses and the people around us. I could never mentally allow myself to put the horses onto busy New York streets. I’ve never been to NY, so I’ve only ever seen the Hollywood romanticized picture of no cars around and everything is romantic and peaceful. That’s the way it should be. I was mortified to see the video and the injuries some of those horses sustained, likely ending in death. How terrible! If NY can’t find a large park for peaceful rides away from traffic, then I agree that this tradition should be discontinued. The horses should be respected. They have feelings and personality too! Only they can’t speak up for themselves.
I think just letting the public know is the best answer for these poor horses. The people who participate in these rides have no idea how inhumane the horses are being treated. It’s time to let everyone know, this is not right, stop. Give those poor horses the life they deserve.
Tourists! Stop funding this horrible activity!
Find something else that’s peaceful and romantic to do! Animals have no choice but to endure their fate at the greedy hands of humans!
Get out people, get in the way, boo riders and the drivers, let them run over you before they can make horses slave around the city with thousands of pounds on their back, in the rain, snow, and horrible conditions of ny, posting only lets others know how you feel, action starts a REAL movement, only you can stop this.
This is really pathetic! Why can’t people understand that these poor animals get hurt just like us. They feel the pain like us. Just imagine what kind of pain we’ll have to bear if this was done for us. People do very dirty stuff to make money out of these innocent animals.
Ahyhow these people have to pay for these sins they are doing. They’ll suffer like hell at their death. So, I would be really glad if you can communicate this message (not only this, but also about all the animal cruelty and killing acts) in mass media and take some strict actions to stop this wild act of these people!
The most sad part of this is that those poor horses don’t have any choice. How apalling for innocent animals to pull fat lazy tourists around NYC and anywhere they have horse drawn carriages. Even if you think you are for animal rights, everytime you ride in one of those carriages, you are committing animal abuse!!! How pathetic. I pray for those horses and all animals suffering for the sake of entertainment. Shameful.
Tourist can find better things to do in NYC other then work an animal to it dieing day.
It’s also the greed of money for the carriage owners that keeps this inhumane practice going.
Please help stop this barbaric treatment of the carriage horses in New York City!
They live in a pure tortuous world day in and day out.
They endure daily the hot summer heat without water and cold winter snows without blankets or shelter.
A kind touch is something they can’t seem to connect with because of their cold hearted treatment being treated as a machine.
They know noting of- Grass under their feet, freedom to move without restraints, a place to lay down that’s clean and warm
& fresh clean meadow hay to eat & clean air to breathe.
Carriage rides are not necessary to enjoy New York City.
The tourist needs to know how their few minuets ride suffers the horses to a life that no human could ever endure!
I own a small horse farm in upstate NY and we can tell you that these horses in NYC are a sad site.It sickens me to see how they live.
There are many horse farms in upstate NY take would take these poor horses in and let them live out thier lives the way they should.
New York is a good place to start! If the we stop animal abuse at any form in such cosmopolitan cities we will have very strong reference to push for animal freedom in other countries or cities.
I live in Europe. EU is doing quite good job to ptotect animal rights but there is still much to do about it as I see animal abuse every day!
Hello people.
Firstly, I would like to say that I believe this site must be pretty awsome to get all of you guys to actually think about the issues going around in this world.
We all have our own opinions, some more extreme than others, yet we shouldn’t abuse others for their beliefs, because at the end of the day, where would we be without freedom of speech?
The problem here is that you are arguing at each other and throwing horrendous insults in all directions.
Don’t blame each other, blame society, blame the civilisation that we have today.
Our planet is damaged almost beyond repair; rainforests completely destroyed, many species of both plants and animals extinct, disease and immense corruption run through the veins of our throbbing communities, and poverty blackens chunks of the world.
These are all issues, and they all need thinking about.
There is no need to go on warpaths and accuse people of stupidity when they choose to help a cause that they believe need it. We can all heal this world bit by little bit.
If their are concerns for what would happen to the horses if the ban was set, then the situation needs re-evaluation, maybe the living and health conditions of the poor animals should just be improved.
I have chosen not to view the movie because a part of my heart breaks everytime I see a being in an unjust postion. Whether it be for a human or an animal this world is cruel, and I’m afraid that it is irrepairable.
I understand that there is a very large probability that no one will read this because, like me, you just want to state your opinions and thoughts on the matter, we are (ironically) only human after all.
There are a number of reasons why the whole world cannot be healed, all to do with balance, I don’t believe I could give justice to the reason by explaining it, so I have come up with an example.
If to kill and eat an animal was proposed to be overall wrong, and a ban was to be placed, you need to think about what would happen to the animals. They wouldn’t be wild would they, no. They would be extinct, to be see only in zoos. Then, the problem would arise of where to grow crops to eat, there isn’t possibly enough space on this planet to grow enough food for everyone to eat. Don’t get me wrong there, because I myself am a vegetarian and pro PETA but I like to look at the different views and think about the different points and consequences. I have always supported PETA and sign every single petition.
I could go on explaining, but I have homework to do, I realise that being a 17 year old girl with little experience in worldly matters, my opinion and words count for little, but I would appreciate it if you took into account what i have said. Thank You.
They should absolutely stop the cruelty and ban all horses from the streets of New York City.
It is outrageous! I have been in NYC for over 50 years and have seen numerous accidents and abuse concerning these gentle vunerable creatures.
Good film. The carriages should be banned. Period. I don’t like seeing the horses around all the noise, pollution, etc. And the living conditions don’t look good for horses. I don’t care if the drivers/owners love their horses or not ( I really don’t think they do) - horses shouldn’t be pulling carriages in NYC in this day and age. It is inhumane regardless of the fact that accidents happen as was pointed out. SO? Tell you what - anyone who can justify carriages even a little - go pull a cart up and down NYC streets and then stand the whole time you’re waiting for a ride and tell me you belong there!
48"CCsweet16" not my favorite either // Feb 20, 2008 at 10:41 am
CC Sweet 16,
1. Before you go trying to correct other people’s spelling on this blog, you had better get your own dictionary. 2. If you want people to “get over PETA”, why are YOU on this webpage? 3. You’re obviously selfish and think only of you and what an animal can do for YOU. 4. You’re right about one thing; “some people (like you) are so wrapped up in their opinions, they assume they’re right.
Animals behavioural, mental and emotional needs should not be irrelevant. Humans have choices, animals don’t. They shouldn’t be forced to do things for our financial benefit.
Hose carriages are pointless I fell to see what the fasanation in making horses suffer needlessly when people have there own two working legs to get them from point A to B. And if they need to be carried then own a dam wheelchair like I’m in 24-7- 63 days a year Man! Or rent a car what a concept. (HA) And another point those streets are dangerous for anyone to walk in not alone poor horses come on use your heart if you have one that is.
I’m from Nassau, Bahamas and we have very similar “attractions”. NYC needs education for the masses. Most people still think cows give milk without being impregnated, that they are machines which exist only for our use. The public feels horses are made for work-”workhorse”. They feel that they exist only for our exploitation, what else good are they? Before we can expect any kind of change the public first needs to change it’s perception of other beings. That’s where PETA, HSUS, and activists like us come in. To cry and moan is understandable, to act is commendable.
It’s a sad thought that in a country where we value so many things dear for those who can speak, we can overlook so many major issues surrounding those without a voice. Horses are not only great animals to be respected and admired, but they are friends as well. Hopefully we can take this small, but major step in the right direction by banning this old tradition, that has already been aloud to continue for far too long.
All that can be said is that humans are absolutely idiotic. They say humans are the most intelligent creatures on Earth…Well, who’s saying that. Just another human.
The Earth knows better, and luckily enough, the Earth will correct this. Better yet, humanity will probably destroy itself with “knowledge”.
i have just seen the short movie and iám just shocked how it´s possible to treat animals in this case the horses like this. the city should stop this carreage. It just need to be stoped they´re so0 many other ways to be nice and to the tourist and show theme the city and you can earn money on many more humanity ways.
I’m all for the ban, but I’m just wondering…. what will become of the horses. I hope they go to sanctuaries or good homes and not….. oh I don’t even wanna say it.
I have been riding for most of my life. To watch those horses breaks my heart. Their hooves are usually in very poor condition due to the hard surface they work on. They appear to be exhausted, as they work into the early morning hours. Historically, the blinders were used to minimize spooking. However, Horses’ eyes are NOT on the front of their heads….so, by using blinders, their vision is greatly decreased. Don’t get me started about the horses on Mackinaw Island in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
I live in Chile, but I know PETA, i am subscribe to them, and I get this mail, I saw the video, tears in my eyes, I am a veterinarian, I care so much for animals, if I can help in cases like this, I do it.
People, please, animals are living creatures just like us, we are they big brothers…Help them if we can…
So sad….
Sad to say, in my city they just decided to try with a few Horse-Drawn Carriages,.We had not them before.Hope nobody will use them.Because if they fail,they will take them off again.
I have lived in NYC for most of my life. I never, ever took a ride in one of these carriages. I was always awe struck by these beautiful animals. They should not be subjected to NYC traffic. The taxi’s are the worst & don’t give a damn about people let alone horses. Stop the tourist thing for the sake of the horses. No more need to get hurt or die from this.
59Victoria Mary Stong / Animal Rights Activist // Feb 19, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I am a former Horsebackrider and have been in 3 Horseshows at Smoke Run Farm in Stony Brook, N.Y. while attending the upstanding private school “The Knox School”. I learned to respect Horses even more there due to the very loving, caring, professional and dedicated Riding Teachers like George Lukemire and Ms. Phebe Phillips-Burns. It horrifies me that Horses in this day and age are being used for Horse Carriages having to walk on concrete(not dirt), being subjected to all kinds of alarming, unhealthy, screeching & harassing noises, hazardous drivers, noxious fumes, accidents, lack of visibility due to blinders, extreme stress to their bones, constant strain on all of their bodies to pull a carriage and at least 1 person regularly, exposure to extreme weather, being a prisoner unable to excersize when not on the road and all the other neglect and abuse that comes along with this inhumane treatment of our beautiful majestic Horses. Many Horses are neglected of proper medical care and are not cleaned regularly to prevent infections sustained in the streets too. I pray that this ban goes into affect as soon as possible. The Horses lives are depending on it!
They are beautiful giving animals and they deserve a better life. That is no place for a horse.
If you’re going to have the horse and carriage in NYC, keep it off the busy streets and have it City run, not private. Have it monitored by a 24/7 Vet.
NYC is certainly not an environment for a horse. To be honest, I don’t approve of any carriage riding, regardless of the romance attached to it. Having taken a lesson in riding, and although the horseman was a caring man and treated his horses well, I did not feel good about putting all that equipment on the horse or the reins in his mouth — I became claustrophobic and decided against this sport. The horses should roam free in the fields– as free as we would want to be. They don’t belong to us.
Wow, I’m trying to comment but the tears will not stop.I use to live in Texas and I was around horses more than half my life.These are majestic animals and they do not belong anyplace where there is pollution, crazy drivers, fireworks, machinery, horns honking, construction, etc,.They belong in a pasture with room to run and buck and show there personalities. They all have a unique personality that is so beautiful.If you have been around horses, you know what I mean.They need grass and hay and food and water.These idiots are just making a quick buck off these animals and they are dying or becoming maimed in the process.They are beautiful animals and they do not deserve to be exploited like this.We have to stop this ASAP. Please, they need our help.They don’t want to be there.They need grass under their hooves, pastures to roam and clean air to breath.God help them all.Stop the madness.
63Jackie February 19, 2008 // Feb 19, 2008 at 5:23 pm
The video says it all - the horses are suffering and the horses are in danger. The horses that have done this job for so long need to be allowed to retire at some place SAFE and PLEASANT - not some place where there will be continued abuse. Please stop this inhumane treatment of these beautiful animals.
In the Blinders piece they show horses housed in buildings. That is very true. I go to the PIER ‘S . It’s part of the Javits Center, when they have retail shows. There located at 12th ave and 52nd street. And that is where you can see these majestic beauties housed like some kind of bizarro scene. All throughout that neighborhood. It’s bizzare to say the least. I almost hate going because I know that I will see these beautiful animals just for us the public. I think that we are the real animals. We must stop this insane behavior.
66Jason 'Great White' (Shark) // Feb 19, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Thank you for bring this to my attention, I am a diehard animal rights person and I never made the obvious connection. The romantic image of the whole thing, thanks to the money greedy media, blinded my requirements for animal cruelity practice.
This shit must stop! I’m in NYC right now and you can see those horses miserable existence!! You look at people riding those carriages and you just want to get up there and slap the crap out them!!
I’m from San Diego and the same thing happens there too.
This shouldnt even be considered a TRADITION.
When i came here, they told me the horses were very well-treated! if this is well-treated , then shoot me !
horses are very intelligent animals and very deserving of their own friendly envirnnoment!
and omg ! that horse that couldnt reach his WATER !! That sucks !
I haven’t ridden a horse drawn carriage since I was in New York 6 years ago. I took my two daughters to Central Park and was disgusted with the treatment of the horses. All for the love of money. Eventually people that mistreat ANY animal will have to answer for it. Good luck to them!
I am truly amazed at the people that still pay for a carriage ride. Those are the people that support this cruel abuse to animals. Thank god for PETA being the voice of the horses. Owning a horse of my own, I can’t image her enduring this daily abuse. Horse are animals that need to roam outside in the country. Not breathing exhaust fumes daily and being subjected to crazy New Yorkers. It’s sad that this is still allowed.
I can not believe the abuse and horror done to these beautiful creatures that are just put in the middle of a city they don’t even know. I don’t understand why we are still using horses when there is public transportation-they are being trapped in cages when they should be roaming free like wild horses should. We need to ban horse drawn carriages and just take a bus, taxi, or train like every other New Yorker is doing. To continue this will be such a horror-how many more horses need to die for this to end.
even if the horses a well treated by there owner’s horse’s should not be working they should be given there right to be a horse. i was in greece on an island called spetses…. there where working horse’s there too…. taking tourist around and around all day.they where panting thirsty…….its cruel all of it!
The whole “anti PETA” bandwagon is just lame. The actual facts here are that there is no need for horse and carriages to exist. This isn’t the 1700’s. Its abusive to any animal to be forced to pull an incredibly heavy carriage though one of the most crowded chaotic cities in the world. Frankly no horse wants to be “owned” by anyone and kept in stables their whole lives. let them free andthey would be much happier. Go see the horses that live in the wild off the island of assateague island in virgina if you want proof. Owning a horse is just obnoxious to begin with and something snobby rich people and fools take part in.
to all who think it is OK for this industry to continue in NYC - I say this - come and have a look for yourself. dont listen to us. take a visit to NYC - go have a look at the line of horses. they are miserable - you can see it in their eyes. while you are here - go and have a look at their home - an 8×8ft box located on the west side highway - tons of traffic and noise - no peace- they never get to run free, play or just relax.
This must be stopped and we will not stop campaigning for this ban.
There is enough hurt and misery in this world - why do we need to continue to add to it?
It never fails to amaze me that you can have a passion for anything that is extreme-politics, human rights, etc..but when you say “animal activist” people immediatly dismiss anything you have to say because all the sudden you are an “extremist”. As for PETA even being mentioned in the same paragraph as the Holocaust..That is a hypocritical statement from someone trying to accuse PETA of being extreme! I could care less who thinks I am a “tree hugger” and a “PETA kook”..I have eyes -and sorry, being locked in a brick building while you are not exposed to traffic and other daily dangers IS my idea of cruelty. I shudder to think what the people critizing PETA think cruelty is..and lets all hope to God they are not pet owners.
The fact remains, these horses don’t belong in that environment. I lived in NY for 2.5 years and the idea that it is hard for a car to drive there, what in the minds of these people make them think that a horse can do any better. These are living, breathing creatures who need our protection from people who’s only intent is to make money off the torture and inhumane treatment of these horses.
Get off your butts and get a job! And stop making these horses live in this environment that they choose not to live in!
It is cruel and down right wrong! They deserve to live a life free from having such stress in their lives. They belong out in the fields running. Not wedged between hundreds of cars that will only be their demise! Stop being selfish and give them their lives back!
I think back in 1920 carriage horses worked out ok but in this day and age it does not. We as humans consistently adapt to change because we are able to understand why. Animals cannot! A busy city street is not where they belong. They belong on a farm, they always have… Why don’t we let them be. You know, “live and let live”. As far as the animal abusers are concerned, well don’t get me started!!!!
i have a horse, i took him on when his owner was banned from keeping animals, thunder was used as a carriage horse, and he was left in a small brick building when he was not being used, he was never given any freedom what so ever. But thunder’s last owner is just one person, not every carriage owner is like this, most of them care very much for there animals, and if you check i can tell you now that the animal welfare service in new york keep an eye on things, if they think someone is miss treating there horse it is removed, like thunder was. i back your campand to stop those that miss treat there animals but not for those that love them and take very good care of them.
Im not blaming the carriage drivers. thay may love their horses and treat them very well, but hte environment,the constantnoise, the constant danger, it must be terrifying for the horses.
also, i noticed there was a post here from an experienced farrier who said that it does cause terrible damage tothe horses feet walking these ny pavements all day, so how can you justify that.
and, for anyone with stars in their eyes,musician PINK has joined the crusade to help these poor animals.
“Every time I see a horse-drawn carriage in a concrete jungle, I point and yell ‘animal cruelty’ at the top of my lungs to try to make the driver and occupants as uncomfortable as possible,” says Pink. “It honestly hurts my heart when I think of what those horses must be feeling, as far as anxiety and fear, and how unnatural and wrong it is for these animals to have blinders on, trotting up and down on concrete, while taxis blare and people scream. It’s absolutely unnatural and ignorant of us to continue this outdated tradition. What about this is romantic?”
apparently theres a petition at peta.org that you can sign, or better yet write your own personalletter to the mayor of ny or anyone important. i know i will.
i guess i never really thought about it but now i have and yes, its horrible.
i dont live in ny and i never even knewthat they still had this horse ride thing going. its crazy. i’d read about how hard a life it was for carriage horsesin the past but i never imagined that this still go on.
and diane, i cant imagine what it must have been like seeing that beautiful majestic creature,and then having to pass the crash. but maybe itd be good if more people had seen it, so they would understand.
this documentary is a good thing, i want people to know howw hard it is for the horses.
we have cars now, we dont need to ride in the carriages becuase its pretty and fun, when the horses suffer.
and honestly, when youthink of how much the city pollution stuffs people up, asthma, and all that, think twhat it must be doing to the horses all day. its just sad
“Krystal”
My GOD!!! For one, its IGNORANT. And for two, what being ignorant about something has nothing to do with being a cunt. So get your facts straight. THIRD. DID YOU NOT READ MY OTHER POSTS?? I love my horses. And YES. I do have an interest in what an animal can do> Do you own a horse? Do you know how expenseve it is to keep one? For me, i CANT keep horses unless i can get some sort of income from it. I HAVE NO CHOICE. Same as the cabbies. FOURTH. WHEN THE HORSE HAD SHOES IT does NOT hurt the hoof. Letting him walk barefoot will wear the hooves down and hurt them. Now what are YOUR shoes for? Thats right sweetie. TO KEEP YOU FEET FROM GETTING HURT WHILE WALKING OR RUNING ECT.!!!! And not everybody can afford land for “running free” as you say. You need to stop trying to state facts and trying to make yourself sound like you know what youre talking about.
It’s good to see common sense being posted here, and from a man with experience and understanding of the industry. The PETA sheep seem to do as they’re told with total faith, and that’s just socially irresponsible. Thank you for speaking up.
Krystle,
You have spoken like a true PETA extremist. Try to silence the opposition by using foul language and discredit people who actually have experience in the matter. You speak with emotion, but not with much knowledge. Try learning a bit about horses, (not by way of PETA marketing, but from a credible source) and you might realize how badly you’ve been duped.
Horses should never be abused, nor should any other animal. But if you are going to fight abuse, be sure you know what it is first. Well cared for and happy horses (which represent the majority) pulling carriages is not abuse. Horses being beaten is abuse. I can only hope you can figure out the difference between the two.
To kayla (cc) i looked at your myspace page and it is obvious that you know a thing or two about horses. That is why i am writing this to you. I know that if a horse is wearing shoes and walking on cement or asphalt its very painful. I know how skittish horses can be. I know that they need plenty of open space for them to run and play. I know that the city is no place for one. All i can say is that you make yourself look very ignorent, and you obviously only care about what animals can do you you, not what you can do for the animals. Please dont say these things any more, you look like a cunt for saying them.
This film is not a true depiction of most carriage operations. There are good and bad operators in every profession. It is unfair to show the bad ones and not the good. Most carriage operators love their horses and treat them as if they were a part of their own family. My horses for example are our family pets and my daughters have shown them in 4H for years. Admittedly, there are bad operators but that does not mean we should scrap the entire business. There are plenty of bad drivers but we still allow people to drive. There are bad dog and cat owners but people are still allowed to have them as pets. Carriage horses are equine athletes who love and need daily exercise. If you banned the carriage industry you would be condeming countless horses and hurting the horses as well as those “good” horse owners. There are organizations that are interested in the humane treatment of these majestic animals without condeming them to a life of poor conditions and inadequate exercise (American Horse Council and Carriage Operators of North America to list two). It is evident that some of the owners and drivers that were shown in the film are not good operators and lack the attributes to be a good operator. This is why training, education, certification, and observation is needed to insure operators and drivers are trained, qualified, and observe the basic guidelines needed to insure the humane treatment of the animals and safe operation of their carriage. Fanatic organizations like PETA only worsen the problem and do not look at the big picture. Currently in the US the horse population is out of control and current “feel good” regulations brought about because of near sighted organizations like PETA has only made the situation worse. There are two sides to every situation and rarely is only one of them correct. Before going off half cocked on a problem, get the facts.
This makes me remember the book Black Beauty which helped people become aware of the cruelty that horses had to go in the 1800s, and it is still going on today. I hope this helps people realize how horrible a life this is for horses.
I had no idea that the horse draw carriages in New York go out in the streets. Are they out of their minds?! If you MUST keep the romanticism of horse-drawn carriages, AT LEAST get them out of the streets, for god’s sake! To people who said we’ve been brain washed, how is caring about a living creature brain washing? Obviously Buddhism would never work out for you. And to the guy who said why not support the troops who actually need it? Yeah, last time I checked, you can support multiple causes. And those troops chose to sign up for service, nobody forced them. These horses are being forced to work in hazardous conditions without proper care and they don’t have a choice. All for the sake of making a buck. It makes me sick.
The video makes a good point. I know a lot of you believe that the ban would kill a lot of animals, but it could also save thousands of more from going towered the cruel fate. They are currently being tortured to death slowly. Besides, if you think of how many people actually would be willing to take the horses, it may be for the better.
I also question how some of you can question PETA’s motives. They are only trying to work for the good of the animals. As many people have said before, there is no outcome without a consiquence. So think of it this way. What COULD happen if it was set into motion? I am not saying ones right and ones wrong, but look at it from their eyes. These people are only trying to stop injustice that is being delievered to those who can feel, but not speak.
I am sorry if I offend anyone, but that is my own personal opinion.
ahhhhhhhh.. this shits pointless….. some people are just so wrapped up in their opinions (that are formed by propoganda) they assume theyre right and that this dumbass movie is automatically correct… its ubsurd.. get over PETA….
91Ashleigh - Perth Australia // Jan 29, 2008 at 12:28 am
I think so far Ryan has made the best point. What DOES happen to the horses that are currently carriage horses if this ban is set?
Its like a no win situation. Those that are already “employed” as carriage horses will most likely be sold and killed or just killed and if we keep carriage horses around NYC than more horses will be abused and killed in the long run.
A long time ago I’m sure horses being on the streets was just fine, but now things have so incredibly changed. They can’t go on like this. It makes me sad to think we live in one of the “greatest cities” and yet this is how we are still treating our animals.
Something HAS to be done. And to be honest, I hope PETA stays out of it because like someone else said, they’d rather see the animal dead. They like to seem like they are out for the animal but kill more animals than one can count. Ugh.
Thank you for your kind words. I am just a lay person who understands things and sees them for what they are. I find it obscene that people take up causes, on either side, without truly trying to understand the issues at hand. I’ve never been involved in the carriage industry, but it didn’t take much reading to get caught up, something other people should try.
You can click on my name to see my blog, which is fairly new, and I’ll likely be writing a piece about this issue. You can contact me there if you like.
I’m glad to see that at least you have considered the aftermath such a ban would create. Imposing reasonable and effective regulations would still be the best solution for all involved, most importantly for the horses. Baning them would be signing more than a few death warrants, even if speaking solely in a spiritual manner. But it seems PETA would rather an animal be dead or extinct than serve any human purpose, so maybe they’re OK with this?
Extremism like that found at PETA is what starts wars, allows holocausts, and takes down buildings with airliners. I would gladly back an animal rights group that had a level head about the issues. Any animal rights organization that refuses to take an animal’s happiness or will into consideration is not rightfully an animal rights movement, it is a self serving human interest group with animals as a vehicle. It’s a damn shame so many have bought into it hook line and sinker. I’m a huge Pink fan too. I feel she has been used and exploited more than if she’d done raunch porn. I hope she can save face and pull out with a realization of the facts, perhaps turning the tables on PETA, but I doubt she is brave enough.
Times have changed. Cities grow and expand. Traffic is heavier than ever before (at least in my city which isn’t NYC). There isn’t room for horse drawn carriages on the city streets. And while people will argue that the horses are well kept or their drivers love them, the end of the story is these animals are dead on their feet. It’s always sad to see things come to an end but change is part of life. The biggest concern should be what will be done with these animals once they are no longer being used? My guess is some will be kept as pets but many will suffer further. Chances are that if those horses aren’t making their own money, they will not be eating and will eventually die to neglect/starvation or will be sold to a kill buyer. While horse slaughter isn’t legal here in the USA, it IS in Canada and Mexico. Who’s going to stand up for these horses once they are out of work? Perhaps the folks trying to ban horse drawn carriages should be also promoting their care once their owners ditch them.
I am sorry for your loss. I can see that you at least have the sense not to buy everything PETA is selling, and I applaud you for that. One thing that needs to be taken into consideration is how horses or conditioned to the city.
If you take a bushman from some remote and primitive village, plop him in the middle of New York, and gauge his response, you’ll see a man loose his mind in short order. Take that man’s newborn and raise him in the city, the city will not be at all traumatic and he may flourish in the city. Horses can be spooked, and perhaps the horses should have some sort of stimulus test they would have to pass before being aloud to work in the city?
Some may consider that inhumane, but why not lessen the risk by disqualifying horses who spook or react poorly to city stimulus? Allow those who don’t mind the city to work there and place the one’s who don’t in a more tranquil setting. Not all horses spook, and some certainly see the city in which they work as a familiar and, as hard as this may be to fathom, an enjoyable place.
One of my bigger issues I have with PETA, which there are many, is that while they claim to treat animals ethically, they seem to have no consideration for what makes animals happy. Some animals LIVE for human contact, something that is now apart of their genetic makeup. To not consider that is to not consider the animal itself, and that is contrary to the cause they claim to fight for.
I think you are biased to the issue, and rightly so given your history. I just think there should be a solution that is more reasonable that would serve all interests involved, not one side or the other. Steps have apparently been taken, with the limits of service and other efforts.
Certain horses should not be there, that is clear. A humane process in which to discover that would be a good solution. You can’t, however, limit danger to horses in general, as a horse could be living the perfect PETA idealized existence and still suffer a fatal injury.
Just as making drunk driving was an appropriate step as opposed to banning cars, we should allow only horses comfortable with city conditions operate withing the city, as opposed to banning them altogether?
Reason is the key to solving problems. Emotion just makes us aware of problems, and does little to create a solution.
What about emergency vehicles trying to get around horses. What if you or your family members were the ones waiting on that emergency vehicle and had to wait a long time because a horse was impeding traffic? When you are in an emergency waiting for help, even one minute feels like a lifetime. At least vehicles can move out of the way fairly easy and if they don’t they can be ticketed for not giving the emergency vehicle the right of way. I don’t think the horses care for the loud sirens, which may freak them out. Doesn’t sound safe to me and being a nurse I am all about safety and prevention.
Scrap5000, yes I know that millions of things kill millions of people- I am a nurse and deal with death and dying every day. If there is a way to minimize the possibility, why not? I have had an aunt and cousin killed by a drunk driver-experts know that drinking and driving is dangerous, so it’s against the law. I had an uncle step off a sidewalk into the street and get killed by a driver. In cases like that, and the driver is found liable they are charged with reckless driving/manslaughter/or whatever the case may be and sent to jail. There are laws out there to deter things from happening and minimize the possibility of a tragedy. I am not saying ban carriage rides- I am saying ban them in cities where there is a lot of auto and foot traffic that may make the horse nervous. How can that be safe, especially in NYC where you have impatient New York drivers and VERY impatient taxi drivers just trying to make more money, driving recklessly, and endangering the horses and the people riding in the back. I have seen first hand how NYC drivers drive. We almost got hit crossing in a crosswalk. They have their own rules there-where most pedestrians have the right of way, in NYC the drivers think they have the right of way. They aren’t going to wait on a horse to get by, especially when they don’t even care about humans. So what is irrational about that??? I believe there are way too many laws out there that should be taken off the books and like I said before, I don’t agree with everything PETA agrees with. They believe that I should not have my dogs and cats as pets. And yes, I kill mosquitoes and other bugs. But I will stand behind them on this matter. They are looking out for the horses’ best interests.
“CC” I’m sorry for what happened with you too and your accident, but I think you misunderstood my statement. I am NOT blaming the horse that killed my mother. I think horses are beautiful creatures, I even had a pony when I was younger, but they can be weird and get spooked so easily. My pony used to escape from her fence and run through the neighborhood. We always worried that she was going to get hit by a car. We finally gave her to relatives that had a lot more land and a place for her to be free. That’s how they should be-out in the open where they can run free, not in a congested city with cars flying by honking horns. Wouldn’t that make you nervous? I don’t see how anyone thinks this is ok. That to me is abuse. The carriage companies and the cities don’t care. It’s all about the almighty dollar with them. I felt it was not right to have them in the city before my Mom died. Only now I feel more passionate about it. I have been to NYC and know there are other places in the city to let the horses do the “work” they so enjoy. Like maybe Central Park or some other park. Not in the middle of traffic. I feel bad for the horses too- the ones that have been killed by speeding cars or the ones that get spooked and run into trees and cars and end up having to be euthanized. I don’t even agree with everything PETA does, but I do suppport this, as I’ve seen the horses being mistreated with my own eyes. How many horses and people have to die before these cities stand up and say “hey maybe this isn’t such a great idea.” If they have had a family member killed by a spooked horse they may change their minds. I don’t want anyone else to have to go through this and that’s why I support this ban!
what’s the point of PETA trying to ban these things? Not just horse drawn carriages but hunting, fishing, even owning pets! ban any of these for a week or even a day and see what happens. I can tell you right now that it won’t be a pretty sight. I do not at all believe animals should be abused in any way, but it’s just plain stupidity to say that we should put an end to things people enjoy.
But millions of things kill millions of people, and we can’t possibly ban everything that could potentially kill us, or we will have NOTHING left in this world, including babies (”because, you know, childbirth is dangerous and can kill the mother!”).
As a society we keep moving towards this irrational goal of outlawing all these “dangerous” things, and we have to draw the line somewhere.
Now is definitely time to draw the line.
What if you mom had been crushed by a tree that was struck by lightning? Should we ban trees then? Because your idea of banning horses in the city follows the same irrational logic.
Stuff happens….it’s part of life. I’m sorry again for your loss, but that’s just part of the experience.
Every thing and every one dies, period. No matter what some cartoon movies and fairy tales would have you believe.
So live every day like it’s your last, and enjoy all life has to offer!
And that includes not driving yourself crazy trying to ban this thing or that thing because of your loss.
“Bridget” Im sorry for your loss… But you also have to think of the PETA and animal activists that purposely spook them to prove an ubsurd point. Accidents happen, its nobodys fault. Its not logical to ban everything that takes things from us. And dont you dare say i dont know what you experanced. A few years ago, me and my sister went riding, we went across a road and a car came around, her horse spooked and slipped in the road. you can probablyfill in the rest. The horse lived. But i dont blame him for the accident, and still have him. Banning things you cant control is wrong. The horses are well taken care of and its the arrogant people who dont slow down for the horses, always run up to them, dont slow the cars down, or momentarly cease work when a horse passes. Think about it. But i am truly sorry for your loss.
“katie” How many of those accidents were from the irresponsability of people???
May 3, 1984 changed my life forever. My Mom, who was selling her art at the marketplace in Charleston, SC was killed when a horse trampled her. The investigators think the horses were spooked by workers using jack hammers. The driver of the carriage was thrown off, injured, and had to be hospitalized. The horse broke loose from the carriage and ran through the market area jumping over tables and eventually trampling my Mom. The doctors could not save her due to all of her internal organs being damaged. I remember visiting my Mom a week before her death and a horse drawn carriage came by with a newly married couple in the back. My Mom and I both commented that the horses did NOT need to be down there with so many tourists and cars. We talked about how dangerous that was. That was a time when they started making the horses wear diapers too. My Dad sued and settled out of court. Some of my siblings and I felt that it needed to go to court to ensure that this did not happen again. It wasn’t about the money and by the way, my dad got less than half than he was suing for. No amount of money can take away the hurt I have felt for 24 years. I think about my Mom every day. My kids never got to know their grandmother and have missed out on so much. Not long after my Mom’s death another horse broke loose from it’s carriage and almost hit some young children. Luckily no one was hurt in that incident. When I lived in New Orleans a mule broke loose from it’s carriage and went through the windshield of a car and it’s legs landed in between the passenger’s legs. I support this petition to ban the horse drawn carriages. It is unsafe for the horses and innocent bystanders.
Oh, and I forgot to mention one of the hugest killers of all - malaria.
OVER A MILLION PEOPLE A YEAR DIE FROM MALARIA.
That’s over 2,700 human beings A DAY.
So Katie, on each of those days that you listed a poor horsey having an accident, TWO THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED members of your own species died from this one disease alone.
Wake up and put some energy into doing something good for your own species instead.
By the way, do you know what causes malaria?
Mosquitos!
And if you litsten to PETA, we should never kill ANY creatures at all, because “a mosquito is a dog is a boy”.
So the mosquitos that kill a million people a year should not be harmed; I guess we should just let our fellow one million people die every year instead.
STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!!!!
And all of you who are so brainwashed and blind to the stupidity of that should be bitten by hordes of those mosquitos.
When all of you morons are gone then people with brains can step in and make things right again.
If PETA wants to make a case for the safety of these horses they should start with a better case. The issue is NewYork, yet they give NATIONAL statistics. I counted the incidents in the last year in New York. 5 total incidents, involving two deaths of horses, one which seemed to be a health issue rather than an accident. The carriage driver in that case deserved a good whipping for abusing the horse, which I’m adamantly against. So the actual accident count is about 4 in the year of September 06-07, according to PETA, with a fifth incident involving abuse and a death.
From a safety standpoint, these are extremely good numbers. 4 accidents and 2 deaths within a year in New York? In that concentration of wild horses you are likely to find higher death and accident rates. Compare them to pedestrian, bicycle, auto, and perhaps even public transport and I doubt you will find accident numbers and fatalities nearly as low. I would have expected many more mathematically. Looks as though New York has a fairly decent grasp on the situation, though there is certainly always room for improvement. I’d like to think the Carriage driver involved in the death of Juliet September 14th 06, was brought up on charges, but I don’t have that information. Fighting towards making horse abuse a felony offense would be a reasonable and noble cause. A citywide ban is not, certainly not at these numbers.
Emotion is a handy tool when fighting for a cause, and animal welfare is a worthy cause, so long as it is justified by actual issues and not just rare incidents. Using emotion alone rather than facts is propagandist and irresponsible. The Bush administration did the same thing, are you happy with that scenario? Unless you consider an issue from both sides you really have no business taking a firm stance either way.
I guess PETA is a business like any other, and even bad press is good advertising for more donations. Follow the money. PETA wants to stay alive, so creating issues is a way to generate revenue. The cause is a noble one, but they have perverted it by not being forthcoming or reasonable, not to mention having ideals that are completely impossible and downright nutty.
I love animals, but to suggest we should never benefit from the labor or otherwise from any animal is downright absurd. I’ll go back to dogs. When treated right, they love to perform work for man, they have 15,000 years of genetics driving them to serve us, in turn making them happy. PETA would have you believe that a dog pulling a cart is abuse. The truth is that some dogs are the happiest in their harness pulling, just as working out makes some humans happy. Sure, strapping a Westy to a wagon won’t go over well, and an animal should never be overloaded. But you take a Malamute dog, or a Belgian horse for that matter, and they will be the happiest pulling a load of some sort, so long as the conditions are good. Animal rights are important, but so is preserving what makes them happy, a topic that seems to be overlooked.
Pick any one of those dates, and you will find thousands, if not MILLIONS, of car, train, bus, truck, plane, ship, walking, running, jogging, hiking, slipping in the bathtub, falling down stairs, slipped on ice, electrocution, drowning, suicide, homicide, trampled, crushed, burned, hypothermia, heart attack, stroke, cancer, amyloidosis, aneuryisms, war, genocide, earthquake, tornado, tsunami, hurricane, typhoon, choking, hiv, rabies, shark attack, snakebite, spider bite, bee sting, ant sting, drug overdose, poisoning, medical malpractice, starvation, dehydration and exposure deaths of human beings. Just to name a few.
In light of that, your listing of 9 incidents of horses that had accidents is absolutely meaningless.
So I repeat…YOUR POINT IS WHAT?!
Wake up, people!!! Every living thing dies!!
And most every living thing has an accident or two in its lifetime, before it dies.
Horse-Drawn Carriages Factsheet – Page 1 of 7 – Updated November 26, 2007
Incidents Involving Horse-Drawn Carriages
The following is a partial listing of incidents involving horses used in carriage operations. Contact PETA for documentation.
September 14, 2007/New York, New York: A horse who was spooked by a street performer’s drum ran nearly a block along the sidewalk before slamming into a tree and dying. The horse’s panic caused a second horse—who was still attached to a carriage—to dart into traffic and collide with a car.
August 17, 2007/Cincinnati, Ohio: A taxi cab hit the back of a carriage, knocking the carriage driver and the two passengers out of the buggy. The horse—with a carriage in tow—bolted and then ran into a moving vehicle. The horse sustained a gash on one of his or her legs, and the driver was taken to the hospital with a leg injury.
August 7, 2007/Montréal, Québec: A horse pulling a carriage used for tourists was spooked by the sound of a jackhammer, ran through a red light, and crashed into a truck. The driver was thrown off the carriage and taken from the scene by ambulance. The carriage was destroyed.
July 29, 2007/Roanoke, Virginia: Three people, including a 4-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl, were hospitalized after being thrown out of a runaway horse-drawn carriage. The carriage’s two horses bolted, and the driver lost control. The 15-year-old’s leg was run over by the carriage.
July 4, 2007/New York, New York: A frightened carriage horse bolted away from his driver and collided with a taxi on Central Park S. A motorcyclist abandoned his bike in order to avoid the horse. The cab driver was treated for injuries at the hospital, the horse suffered several gashes on one leg, and the cab sustained significant front-end damage.
June 17, 2007/Council Grove, Kansas: A car crashed into the back of a horse-drawn carriage, as did a second car, which hit the rear of the other car. Two people were treated for injuries at the hospital. The horse was euthanized because of severe injuries.
June 9, 2007/St. Augustine, Florida: Five passengers jumped out of a carriage when a horse bolted away from his driver and ran for several blocks. Two people were injured, including one who was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries.
June 2, 2007/New York, New York: A spooked carriage horse galloped away from his driver and was hit by an SUV in an intersection. When the horse fell, the carriage broke loose, was propelled into the air, and landed on the curb, barely missing pedestrians.
April 30, 2007/Blacksburg, Virginia: Two horses were spooked when the carriage they were pulling side-swiped a curb. They bolted and ran at least a half-mile. A 73-year-old man and his daughter were thrown out of the carriage. The man had to be air-lifted to the hospital.
people. this is one of the cruelest things i have ever seen in my life.this should NEVER have been aloud ! i don’t care if yee all think its a tradition its cruelty to animals! would yee like it if we asked you to fun around all day in your bare feet!no!did’nt think so, so why should the poor horses have to go through with this abuse.the roads are damaging their hoofs and and legs! i hate people who abuse and neglect animals this is NOT right. STOP it now. what have animals ever done to yee, just because yee are selfish and and dont care what the poor animals are going through! i mean it STOP it right now..p!nk i am with you the whole way you are my idol forever and you will get them to stop all of this i believe in you and so does all your fans ! love you p!nk!..xx and once again STOP animal cruelity right this minute..
Oh I just give up on you morons who use emotion instead of logic to look at the world. You remind of the people who say to Terrorists “Arms are for hugging….not fighting!” and then the terrorists draw straws for which one gets to cut off your arms.
And this line by Myst says it all:
“and third americans are fat (even though I’m one of them, i don’t plan on being an American for long)”
Well then hurry up and GET THE F*CK OUT!!
No one who made this country great wants you here anymore.
No one who died on foreign OR domestic land to protect your skinny ass’ right to say such stupid things should have done so, because you are not worth dying for, you piece of crap!!
Go live in Cuba or Venezuela or China, where you will be treated 100x worse than these horses of NYC!!
Or go live in France, along with all the other yellow bellied cowards who would be Hitler’s bitches right now if not for AMERICA, yet never appreciate all the american blood that was spilled for them.
Life is pain. If you want animals to live, you must concede that they will suffer at some point in their lives. Accidents and death occur to all living things, and the only way to stop that is to end all life. Is that what PETA wants?
This industry needs to be monitored closely for abuses. For example, the horse that was spooked probably shouldn’t be in the city, whereas other horses clearly enjoy what they do and the city is the home they enjoy. Just like humans, some prefer the country, other the city.
Many animals, including horses, dogs, mules, and oxen, actually enjoy the work that they do for humans. None of them enjoy being abused, and none ever should be. But utilizing an animal in a humane way should be admired and encouraged, so long as the animal in question enjoys the work.
As an example, my dog’s day is greatly improved when I hide from her in a field and she finds me using her nose. Performing this task makes her feel wonderful, evident in her body language. She gets to “hunt” for me. It gives her purpose, and she is actually healthier as a result. Animals can get depressed too, and for animals used to working for humans, not having a “rewarding” job to do is the real torture. The “rewarding” part is key, however.
I’m sure that the makers of this film will disagree, but many of the horses in the film looked as though they were walking with pride, something that doesn’t happen when in fear. (something PETA would try to convince you is their constant state of emotion)
As for the accidents and incidents seen in this film, more could be done by increasing the fines to humans causing the problems, along with better education. Stout fines for injury to horses and not giving carriages the right of way would be a start, along with restricting carriage use to lower traffic areas.
Additionally, would be do-gooders should note that horse travel is green, since the CO2 expelled is recovered by the process in which their food grows. They do not consume fossil fuels and therefore do not contribute to total greenhouse concentration in a significant way.
Before being convinced the world is falling, take a closer look. Sometimes it actually is, but be wary of the motives of those who sell sensationalism and extremism. Many Germans were sold on the idea that Jews and the disabled were a threat to their society, and we know how that turned out. Those who examined the truth from a realistic point of view either fought the movement or left Germany.
While PETA is not militant like the Nazis were, they are imposing their views using propaganda, fear, and terror, and their ideals are just as extreme and unrealistic, even if less bloody. That said, they do some good work, but then the Nazis built the Autobahn…
History is remembered for a reason. PETA is not a Nazi organization, and they certainly hold different values and goals. However, not acknowledging the parallels is a mistake of social and HUMANE conscience.
Stop animal cruelty for sure, but just be sure you unders
231 responses so far ↓
1 Gary Braden // May 7, 2008 at 5:05 am
Pedicabs are the greenest and most appropriate replacement for carriage horses.
You can get the same enjoyment and effect from a pedicab as you could get from a carriage ride.
So there already is a viable replacement for the NYC carriages and they are already operating in the city, and so there is no excuse not to ban the carriages.
Gary
Huntsville, AL
2 Siva // May 5, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I thought people nowadays had enough with cruelty to animals. I saw how these horse carriages operate in New York and I feel such things should stop once and for all. I always believe if you love animals and took care of them like your own child than GOD will take care of you like you are HIS child.
Lets change for our childrens sake!!!
Be nice to them let them FREE!!
3 April Silverman // May 1, 2008 at 7:00 pm
For decades, as far back as I can remember–and I’m 70–my heart broke every time I saw a carriage horse. The one thing I disliked about going to Lncoln Center, when I worked in NYC, was seeing the carriage horses. Just standing in one place on the hard pavement is hard for a human; it’s harder for a horse. And they live in 4- and 5-floor-walk-up tenements with no heat in winter and no cooling system in summer like the minks who are in stinking cages in NY tenements, not on beautiful ranches, running free. no animal can be as cruel and indifferent as humans.
4 baby gatsby // May 1, 2008 at 3:51 am
..these large teardrops on their way to my lips, taste somewhat sweet still. long ago, a multitude of tears expressed the feelings of a tender heart, beating below and under. however, as year after year places coat upon coat, a thick skin ‘protects’ one from eventually ..drying. eventually, one ‘forgets’ for one simply cannot be subject to a mere, ongoing compassion. or one becomes an annoying, tough yet so romantic an, activist..
not so long ago, during fall, winter, spring and summer seasons and their appropriate weather, entering and exiting the east 59th nyc subway stop, my dearest friend and i used to look closely and sometimes talk softly to these ..smooth operators, while they -all, one by one- stood silently, awaiting their next weight/customer. most everytime, we said that, something was missing from their physiognomy, something imprinted in one’s memory of them in some other direct contact, or from pretty wall posters and pictures in books. sadly, that particular absence were as loud as their silent, humble stance while being ‘parked’ across from The Plaza. that missing pedigree trait were none other than their pride: that innate yet noble sign of arrogance..
one morning, my friend said to one horse ‘despot’, “Sir, this animal has such elegant, tender legs; surely, s/he is not a horse-breed intended for such heavy workload..” well, need not mention the rude response in one so “nyc” kind of manner.., for ignorance should not be ever-repeated and sealed.
however, wish here to share with you, dear reader, that:
it rather is the case that, we humans would let horses be horses, or birds be birds, and so on, if and only if, we would secure firstly that, we humans are humans. only, one is not born human, as a horse is born a horse. one only Becomes human, the procedure somewhat resembling that of a ..butterfly. upbringing or education is the only way. thus, adequate schooling should not be a privilege, nor remain a civil right, but be an obligation for every ..putative human, in order to attain the state of human being. only thereafter, horses shall live as such.
5 rafael daniel // Apr 27, 2008 at 10:10 am
I feel much sadness by the form that we continued trying the animal to all the species, but lamentably not only to the horses to all generally we make, them suffer by the pleasure to do it we used, them like for test of laboratories or of cosmetic we killed, them by its skin, since the Canadian fishermen with the seals do. Incredibly these happen in the societies “but outposts of exquisite and old self-proclaimed cultures” in the denominated countries of the first world.
A call on the matter by the animal and in their rights, from a country of the Third World
Stop to torture them, let them to live peacefully,
I hate these people deeply.
6 Armide // Apr 25, 2008 at 4:36 am
Shame on all this ! Stop the cruelty !
7 brumby // Apr 23, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Let the horses stay & ban the cars!!!
Horse transportation would be a more green option than cars in NYC.
So get rid of the gas guzzlers and replace with the hay burners. These horse realy don’t look destitude or depressed.
Draft horses love to pull/
Jumping horses love to jump/
racehorses love to run.
But it is in how we exploit the horse that may cause a problem. Sure there are issues to be addressed - in all that man does. But as a horse person for over 30 years what I saw in this video was someone trying to create an illusion of abuse. I saw a horse with ribs - but over all the horse was in good health. As a matter of fact all the horses had bright eyes, shiny coats and feet well shod. Horses find a colder temperature more comfortable than humans. Nature provides horses with a thick, heavy winter coat.
Why not address the issues - NYC has bridle trails - can the carriages use them? Then also can’t a special lane be made for carriages/bikes and skaters? Educate the people on proper horse management and harness fitting.
Auto accidents happen everyday in NYC and they not just limited to horse drawn vehicles.
If we ban carriage rides - what is next mounted police patrol/ drug sniffing horses/ army mules /search and rescue horses/ horse pets/ horses for sport and pleasure/ horses for the handicapped. Then what do we do with the millions of horses - set them all free to starve to death?
8 LUCY // Apr 23, 2008 at 10:45 am
I WENT TO VIENNA IN FEBRUARY BECAUSE MY DAD IS AUSTRIAN AND THE HORSES ARE DOING CARRIAGE RIDES THERE BUT THEY ARE IN MUCH BETTER CONDITION. THEY HAVE ACCESS TO WATER AND AT LUNCH TIME THEY GET ONE OF THOSES BAGS ATTATCHED TO THEIR BRIDLES TO EAT THEIR LUNCH. I WORK AT A STABLES SO OBVIOUSLY I WAS LOOKING AT THE HORSES HEALTH. THEY SEEMED HAPPY AND ALSO WERE NOT GOING AROUND THE ROADS BUT WERE GOING THROUGH THE QUIET PICTURESQUE STREETS. I WAS CONTEMPLATING GOING ON A RIDE BUT IT WAS TO EXPENSIVE. THEN I REALISED HALF OF THE HORSES HAD RUBS ALL OVER THEM FROM THEIR HARNESSES AND HAD TO GO TO THE TOILET ON THE ROAD WHICH I KNOW HORSES HATE BECAUSE TO BE REALISTIC IT SPLASHES UP THEIR LEGS SO IT CAN’T BE NICE. SOME RIBS WERE SHOWING TO. THE CARRIAGE DRIVERS WERE LOOKING AFTER THEIR HORSES THOUGH. THEY KEPT PATTING THEM AND GIVING THEM LITTLE TREATS WHEN THEY HAD FINISHED THEIR RIDES. THEY WENT IN ABOUT 7.30 AND CAME BACK OUT AT ABOUT 11.30 IN THE MORNING. WE NEED ALL PLACES TO CHANGE TO BE LIKE THIS MORE AS THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT FAIRER ON THE HORSES.
9 Natalie // Apr 23, 2008 at 9:48 am
I have been involved with horses for many years and I can’t believe that these carriage horses are being treated this way and nothing has changed. You can see in their eyes that they are scared and they are forced to behave this way. And that man driving the carriage reading the paper?!?! What a jerk! He not only needs to be fired from that job but he should no longer work with animals. I guess what I find cruel is the care and concern for these wonderful animals. One horse could not even reach the water to get a drink and nothing was done about it. Horses need room to relax and run around be in the grass and enjoy being a horse. They go from the street to the stall to the street again and so forth. That is also very bad for their legs to walk on that hard surface let alone seeing them trot on it! These people just obviously don’t care about the well being of the animal and all they see is that they are making money. I am so against keeping these horses like this! Horses do not belong in the streets of NYC or any other busy city for that matter!
10 Joana // Apr 8, 2008 at 3:22 am
I don´t understand the panic about it.
Whats wrong with it, the Horses are good and healthy looking.
Dressage and western riding even jumping is badest horse abuse, as well
11 Jenn // Apr 6, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I have a horse that is trained to harness and to pull a carriage. I would never treat my horse that way. How can New York allow this? My horse has a pasture and a warm clean barn. I would never subject him to any situation that I feel is unsafe or may potentially harm him and me. I put his well being first. New York should do the same for those poor horses. The horse need pasture and just plain country living. That type of treatment needs to stop now! I am appalled by it!
12 Sabine from Germany // Apr 4, 2008 at 11:52 am
How can a City like New York do thinks like that ??????????? Every Animal has a Soul !!!!!!!
I have a Horse my self and she is living on Gras and Sand all Day and Night.
This Film is HORROR STOP IT NOW !!!!
Regarts from Sabine
13 Mela // Mar 27, 2008 at 11:11 am
hi there from Austria,
I have to say: I have been horse-riding for years … stopped about 8 years ago.
But I tried to have a relationship with the horses, always have been the “relaxing-part” and we trusted each other. Always on the country-site.
I never saw a thing like that. I am shocked.
How can they do that?
A horse walking up stairs? How weird is that?
Brutal.
I hate what’s going on there … !
14 Alan H. // Mar 25, 2008 at 12:56 pm
There are unfortunate comments on this site from those that believe, heinously and arrogantly, that we “humans” have domain over all other creatures. This site is an advocacy site, with a researched, enlightened, and humane perspective on a troubling issue. There may be other views, including those with vested interests, but those views are not at home here. Horses, majestic and sensitive, deserve much better than to be enslaved and mistreated for our folly and entertainment. To argue otherwise is to defend the dishonorable and indefensible.
15 "CCsweet16" not my favorite either // Mar 15, 2008 at 2:53 pm
bird319, I don’t know if you’re aware of the PETA “forums” @PETA.org ?? You might get some help there. I get MANY questions answered/support from the PETA forum site.
16 Bird319 // Mar 14, 2008 at 8:54 am
I am a film student living in Chicago and am so happy with Petas involvement in banning horse drawn carriages in NY but I belive that the horses drawn carriages in Chicago are the next place to begin banning this cruel act. I truly believe that many people are simply uneducated about the mistreatment of the horses and feel that this same banning process needs to begin to take place in Chicago.
I have a documentary assignment for one of my film classes and am interested in following a person who is trying to learn more about how the horses are treated in Chicago and see how this person finds ways to begin educating the citizen of Chicago.
Does anyone know anyone living in chicago or coming to protest in chicago who would be interested in having a short documentary about their efforts to bring the awareness to Chicago?
17 SARAH // Mar 10, 2008 at 8:36 am
PLEASE STOP THAT ALL!!!IT IS SO TERRIBLE AND THE HORSES CANT DEFEND!!!!!! :´-( STOP IT!!!I CANT UNDERSTAND THAT HUMANS CAN BE SO CRUEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
18 Stephanie // Mar 9, 2008 at 10:10 pm
G’day from South Australia,
Last year my husband and I were lucky enough to travel around the USA on holidays for a month. America is an amazing country, and we met some great people on our trip.When we arrived in New York, we stayed in a great hotel overlooking Central Park.Everyday I was upset looking at the horses taking people for rides all day and all night. When we arrived back in Australia, I sent an e-mail to the mayor of New York, regarding the plight of the horses, but received no reply.I am so glad PETA is working to help the horses.It breaks my heart how some people don’t care about the working conditions of the horses, and the plight of animals in need.
Regards,
Stephanie Rosevear
19 Teri // Mar 4, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Tradition or not these animals do not deserve this kind of treatment!!! Would you treat a member of your family or close friends like this? No, so why would you do it to animals. No one person or animal deserves anything bad happen to them. Horses are not meant to be on city streets like that, they are a beautiful animal with much to appreciate about them. They cant stick up for themselves and put a stop to it, it’s far from fair to them. As a mayor of a great city Mayor Bloomberg should be standing tall with the people and animals of New York not against them. have we lost all sight of what is free and fair? This is sickening to see, everyday their lives are put at risk and what ends happening is the horse will act out and can cause a lot of damage to people, vehicles and themselves. It’s self destructive for some of them and some just aren’t lucky enough to have their lives taken away for what? So we can have a few minutes of fun at their expense. There is many other ways to enjoy ourselves instead of contributing to the growing problem. I sincerely hope all these posts are heard and something is done about this. Remember: would you treat your family like this? So why such a beautiful animal…???
20 Not giving it! // Mar 4, 2008 at 11:17 pm
God gave man domain over animals! This is not abuse or inhumane. They are horses and as my dad says they are not a pet they are a tool for our use.
21 Gretchen // Feb 26, 2008 at 7:04 pm
can’t you all see the irony in this? there you are, knowing this is wrong and doing nothing more than posting comments. well, what do you think those drivers of those carriages are doing, nothing more than putting up with the situation, they’ve chosen to deal with. i urge you to make an actual choice…make your voices heard, and by the people that can change these things that we hate about our society. that’s the whole flippin’ reason we live in a democracy! contact your state senators, post your outrage on your myspace pages, offer people a way to make a change. PETA needs more than your vocal support…if you don’t know what you can do to help…GET WITH PETA, and they’ll tell you what you can do. i’m honored to be amongst those of you who care, but disappointed in your neglect to take real action. thank you, and be damn sure that i will make contacts, if for no other reason than to voice my outrage.
22 Scrap5000 // Feb 25, 2008 at 6:59 pm
The saddest thing about this whole website is that I come back from being away for a month, and you moronic animal rights activists have not yet acquired any brains.
http://www.PetaKillsAnimals.com
23 CindyK // Feb 25, 2008 at 9:46 am
First of all, these carriage riders need to get with the program, in other words, they need to get their FAT and Lazy behinds off the carriage and do their own walking. This is where our tax dollars on healthcare are being wasted, by these candy asses acting as if they’re Mr and Mrs Mary Poppins fillng up spaces behind a carriage and living a sendentary lifestyle therefore increases there chances of coronary artery disease.
Secondly, even a retard can tell that these horses are not only distraught and miserable but are in danger of the environment and weight of the carriage.
PETA I am all the way with you in this.
24 Ryan // Feb 24, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I see a lot of emotion here, but not much in the way of research or knowledge of the subject, other than the biased views expressed by PETA. I am an animal lover, and a tree hugger, but I also believe in rationality and truth. You cannot “force” an animal the size of a horse to do anything without risking personal injury. Zebras are not domesticated for this very reason. If a zebra were pulling a cart in NYC then you would have a valid point. Draft animals live to pull and will do it anywhere and enjoy it so long as they are healthy and treated well, which the vast majority of these horses are.
Not knowing much about an issue and still taking action is irresponsible. All of this talk about animal enslavement has a false foundation. Abuse is real, and it should never occur. Suggesting that a symbiotic relationship cannot exist between animals and humans where both benefit is ridiculous. Is it enslavement for a tracking dog to do search and rescue work? PETA thinks so. But the truth is that the dog is having fun, finding the missing person is a game they fully enjoy. Our benefit does not constitute enslavement or abuse.
Perhaps we should liberate trees from doing the work of purifying the air we breath? We control their existence, so aren’t they our slaves as well? Oysters, clams, and muscles purify our water, thrive in places where they are placed by humans, so since humans benefit from the work they do we should put an end to it, right? Symbiosis is an important factor of life, and being ignorant of it is foolish. Try wrapping your brain around the idea that a majority of the horses just might enjoy what they do, no matter where they do it. I’m sure some do not enjoy it, and they should be relocated. A ban is just too extreme.
And for those taunting carriage drivers and passengers, do you think the horses have any idea that that taunting isn’t directed at them? This further proves my point that PETA is not interested in the well being of animals. If they were, they would never support actions that stress animals. Taunting (even if by accident) the animals is a truly unnecessary form of abuse. That is a form of terrorism. There are so many worthy organizations out there that support animal welfare without supporting terrorism. Try supporting a group that offers truth and sanity, not propaganda and radicalism.
Those who support PETA blindly are guilty of crimes against society. Yes, PETA can be identified with the holocaust. Not only have they exploited the holocaust in ads, they use the same tactics the Nazi’s used, primarily propaganda and misinformation. I assert that if most current PETA supporters were aware of the extreme beliefs propagated by PETA, they would no longer support them. If they do, then they are just as imbalanced and a danger to our future.
I believe in animal welfare, I’m an environmentalist, I support human rights, I believe in good nutrition, and I believe in being good stewards of the world we live in. I guess you could say I’m a short haired hippie, sans the drugs. PETA has accomplished some good things, but the Nazi’s built the autobahn among other good deeds. Good deeds do not make any group worthy of blind support. I’m all for worthy causes, but one should be aware of those they support.
25 Matthew // Feb 24, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I think we should go and torture every person that is a part of this cruel business.! I am outraged!
26 Avis Valdespino // Feb 24, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Horse-drawn carriages is an antiquated practice that has no place in today’s modern cities. Horses are not meant to walk in heavy, noisy and polluted traffic for endless hours. It’s torture to them. For horses’ sake, we must ban this horrible practice.
27 Hayoung // Feb 23, 2008 at 8:29 am
I am so sorry about it. Sorry horses.
It must be stopped.
28 Brynn // Feb 22, 2008 at 7:50 am
(CC)sweet16!!!—”And not everybody can afford land for “running free” as you say.”
ummm…If you can’t afford land for the horse to run and roam…then you probably shouldn’t have a horse.
Guess what, when you buy something-you buy EVERYTHING that comes with it! If these horses were people, there would be an uproar! If people were used to drag around a carriage all day, then put into a building in a cage…are you serious! Its slavery to horses!
the fact of the matter is, if you wouldnt do it to a person, you shouldn’t do it to an animal. I can maybe see if you all moved your horse drawn carriages to someplace like central park, and stayed within the park away from all the noise and dangerous traffic [because not even I enjoy driving or walking on the streets of nyc] perhaps then people could see a more natural and safe environment for these animals. But even then, you’d need a safe way of transporting them from there to an open land where there are stalls and arenas for them to appropiately rest after a long and stressful day.
There’s also temperature to consider…in the hottest of heat and the coldest of cold…these animals welfare need to be taken into consideration.
…these animals are treated like those in the awful factory farming–simply a price tag…there are not viewed as a living, feeling creature.
i’m not saying you are a bad person…i just don’t feel you are considering it from the horses perspective.
if you care about the horse, you do whats best for the horse…forget about your needs…we’re talking about a life here…a life in your hands…that horse depends on you to make the right choices…since he is not able to make his own…
i know you know…the environment is not a safe place for these horses.
give land, give love, give life!
thank you for your time, and i hope you understand where we animal lovers are coming from! [p.s. we care about people too!]
“I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to the protection by man from the cruelty of man.”
-GhAnDi
29 Marisel // Feb 22, 2008 at 7:03 am
I can’t not believe this, it’s torture. There’s no animal more pure and kind than a horse, and those horrible people are doing that to them?
it’s an slow death sentence to them. We must do something about it!
30 juanita // Feb 21, 2008 at 4:54 pm
i think the way that people are diong this to the horses is disgusting! animals should not be forced to haul around carriges ,kept in cages or be hit by cars when on the streets because people force them to be there. this should be stooped. i think think that what Pink is doing is very important!
31 Jessica // Feb 21, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I just think that those poor horses should be let free to run around on acres of grass so they can be peaceful instead of being dragged around town with a million pounds of a carriage and fat tourists. Horses have feelings and pain too. So just tell me this, would you ever strap a carriage on the back of a human? NO! i didn’t think so, than why would you do it to a poor defencless animal, who loves you, even though you are hurting him/her.
32 Becky Z. // Feb 21, 2008 at 11:25 am
As someone who used to show horses (clydesdales to be exact) at horse shows and have driven them in parades, I know the precautions and preparations that go into making things as safe as possible for the horses and the people around us. I could never mentally allow myself to put the horses onto busy New York streets. I’ve never been to NY, so I’ve only ever seen the Hollywood romanticized picture of no cars around and everything is romantic and peaceful. That’s the way it should be. I was mortified to see the video and the injuries some of those horses sustained, likely ending in death. How terrible! If NY can’t find a large park for peaceful rides away from traffic, then I agree that this tradition should be discontinued. The horses should be respected. They have feelings and personality too! Only they can’t speak up for themselves.
33 paula ford // Feb 21, 2008 at 11:24 am
I think just letting the public know is the best answer for these poor horses. The people who participate in these rides have no idea how inhumane the horses are being treated. It’s time to let everyone know, this is not right, stop. Give those poor horses the life they deserve.
Paula Ford
34 Denise // Feb 21, 2008 at 9:21 am
Please stop using animals in any way that you want. This is a cruel tradition and needs to be stopped now.
35 Betty Petrov // Feb 20, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Tourists! Stop funding this horrible activity!
Find something else that’s peaceful and romantic to do! Animals have no choice but to endure their fate at the greedy hands of humans!
36 MARCIA // Feb 20, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Are we the animals and the animals the innocent creatures?
STOP THIS CRUELTY TO ANIMALS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
37 dp // Feb 20, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Get out people, get in the way, boo riders and the drivers, let them run over you before they can make horses slave around the city with thousands of pounds on their back, in the rain, snow, and horrible conditions of ny, posting only lets others know how you feel, action starts a REAL movement, only you can stop this.
38 Erandee // Feb 20, 2008 at 8:58 pm
This is really pathetic! Why can’t people understand that these poor animals get hurt just like us. They feel the pain like us. Just imagine what kind of pain we’ll have to bear if this was done for us. People do very dirty stuff to make money out of these innocent animals.
Ahyhow these people have to pay for these sins they are doing. They’ll suffer like hell at their death. So, I would be really glad if you can communicate this message (not only this, but also about all the animal cruelty and killing acts) in mass media and take some strict actions to stop this wild act of these people!
39 Kevin // Feb 20, 2008 at 6:48 pm
The most sad part of this is that those poor horses don’t have any choice. How apalling for innocent animals to pull fat lazy tourists around NYC and anywhere they have horse drawn carriages. Even if you think you are for animal rights, everytime you ride in one of those carriages, you are committing animal abuse!!! How pathetic. I pray for those horses and all animals suffering for the sake of entertainment. Shameful.
40 karen livsey // Feb 20, 2008 at 4:25 pm
soooo sad there is no excuse for animal cruelty please help ban the horses from the streets of NY
blessings from aussie XX
41 Sally // Feb 20, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I feel so sad for the horses. To me they are the most gentle of animals, and it is just not right to abuse them in that way.
42 Aleta // Feb 20, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Tourist can find better things to do in NYC other then work an animal to it dieing day.
It’s also the greed of money for the carriage owners that keeps this inhumane practice going.
Please help stop this barbaric treatment of the carriage horses in New York City!
They live in a pure tortuous world day in and day out.
They endure daily the hot summer heat without water and cold winter snows without blankets or shelter.
A kind touch is something they can’t seem to connect with because of their cold hearted treatment being treated as a machine.
They know noting of- Grass under their feet, freedom to move without restraints, a place to lay down that’s clean and warm
& fresh clean meadow hay to eat & clean air to breathe.
Carriage rides are not necessary to enjoy New York City.
The tourist needs to know how their few minuets ride suffers the horses to a life that no human could ever endure!
I own a small horse farm in upstate NY and we can tell you that these horses in NYC are a sad site.It sickens me to see how they live.
There are many horse farms in upstate NY take would take these poor horses in and let them live out thier lives the way they should.
43 Vihra // Feb 20, 2008 at 12:57 pm
New York is a good place to start! If the we stop animal abuse at any form in such cosmopolitan cities we will have very strong reference to push for animal freedom in other countries or cities.
I live in Europe. EU is doing quite good job to ptotect animal rights but there is still much to do about it as I see animal abuse every day!
GO ON PETA!
44 Nev // Feb 20, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Hello people.
Firstly, I would like to say that I believe this site must be pretty awsome to get all of you guys to actually think about the issues going around in this world.
We all have our own opinions, some more extreme than others, yet we shouldn’t abuse others for their beliefs, because at the end of the day, where would we be without freedom of speech?
The problem here is that you are arguing at each other and throwing horrendous insults in all directions.
Don’t blame each other, blame society, blame the civilisation that we have today.
Our planet is damaged almost beyond repair; rainforests completely destroyed, many species of both plants and animals extinct, disease and immense corruption run through the veins of our throbbing communities, and poverty blackens chunks of the world.
These are all issues, and they all need thinking about.
There is no need to go on warpaths and accuse people of stupidity when they choose to help a cause that they believe need it. We can all heal this world bit by little bit.
If their are concerns for what would happen to the horses if the ban was set, then the situation needs re-evaluation, maybe the living and health conditions of the poor animals should just be improved.
I have chosen not to view the movie because a part of my heart breaks everytime I see a being in an unjust postion. Whether it be for a human or an animal this world is cruel, and I’m afraid that it is irrepairable.
I understand that there is a very large probability that no one will read this because, like me, you just want to state your opinions and thoughts on the matter, we are (ironically) only human after all.
There are a number of reasons why the whole world cannot be healed, all to do with balance, I don’t believe I could give justice to the reason by explaining it, so I have come up with an example.
If to kill and eat an animal was proposed to be overall wrong, and a ban was to be placed, you need to think about what would happen to the animals. They wouldn’t be wild would they, no. They would be extinct, to be see only in zoos. Then, the problem would arise of where to grow crops to eat, there isn’t possibly enough space on this planet to grow enough food for everyone to eat. Don’t get me wrong there, because I myself am a vegetarian and pro PETA but I like to look at the different views and think about the different points and consequences. I have always supported PETA and sign every single petition.
I could go on explaining, but I have homework to do, I realise that being a 17 year old girl with little experience in worldly matters, my opinion and words count for little, but I would appreciate it if you took into account what i have said. Thank You.
45 Jane Gill // Feb 20, 2008 at 11:52 am
They should absolutely stop the cruelty and ban all horses from the streets of New York City.
It is outrageous! I have been in NYC for over 50 years and have seen numerous accidents and abuse concerning these gentle vunerable creatures.
46 jesse // Feb 20, 2008 at 11:29 am
i think it is inhumane, and should definetely be ban.
47 Kathy // Feb 20, 2008 at 10:47 am
Good film. The carriages should be banned. Period. I don’t like seeing the horses around all the noise, pollution, etc. And the living conditions don’t look good for horses. I don’t care if the drivers/owners love their horses or not ( I really don’t think they do) - horses shouldn’t be pulling carriages in NYC in this day and age. It is inhumane regardless of the fact that accidents happen as was pointed out. SO? Tell you what - anyone who can justify carriages even a little - go pull a cart up and down NYC streets and then stand the whole time you’re waiting for a ride and tell me you belong there!
48 "CCsweet16" not my favorite either // Feb 20, 2008 at 10:41 am
CC Sweet 16,
1. Before you go trying to correct other people’s spelling on this blog, you had better get your own dictionary. 2. If you want people to “get over PETA”, why are YOU on this webpage? 3. You’re obviously selfish and think only of you and what an animal can do for YOU. 4. You’re right about one thing; “some people (like you) are so wrapped up in their opinions, they assume they’re right.
Animals behavioural, mental and emotional needs should not be irrelevant. Humans have choices, animals don’t. They shouldn’t be forced to do things for our financial benefit.
PROUD PETA MEMBER!
49 Mimi // Feb 20, 2008 at 10:19 am
Hose carriages are pointless I fell to see what the fasanation in making horses suffer needlessly when people have there own two working legs to get them from point A to B. And if they need to be carried then own a dam wheelchair like I’m in 24-7- 63 days a year Man! Or rent a car what a concept. (HA) And another point those streets are dangerous for anyone to walk in not alone poor horses come on use your heart if you have one that is.
50 Mark Knowles // Feb 20, 2008 at 7:57 am
I’m from Nassau, Bahamas and we have very similar “attractions”. NYC needs education for the masses. Most people still think cows give milk without being impregnated, that they are machines which exist only for our use. The public feels horses are made for work-”workhorse”. They feel that they exist only for our exploitation, what else good are they? Before we can expect any kind of change the public first needs to change it’s perception of other beings. That’s where PETA, HSUS, and activists like us come in. To cry and moan is understandable, to act is commendable.
51 Shannon Thompson // Feb 20, 2008 at 7:05 am
It’s a sad thought that in a country where we value so many things dear for those who can speak, we can overlook so many major issues surrounding those without a voice. Horses are not only great animals to be respected and admired, but they are friends as well. Hopefully we can take this small, but major step in the right direction by banning this old tradition, that has already been aloud to continue for far too long.
52 Spike B. Spazz // Feb 20, 2008 at 5:57 am
All that can be said is that humans are absolutely idiotic. They say humans are the most intelligent creatures on Earth…Well, who’s saying that. Just another human.
The Earth knows better, and luckily enough, the Earth will correct this. Better yet, humanity will probably destroy itself with “knowledge”.
Cheers,
Spike B. Spazz
53 astrid // Feb 20, 2008 at 4:00 am
i have just seen the short movie and iám just shocked how it´s possible to treat animals in this case the horses like this. the city should stop this carreage. It just need to be stoped they´re so0 many other ways to be nice and to the tourist and show theme the city and you can earn money on many more humanity ways.
54 Mari // Feb 20, 2008 at 12:41 am
I’m all for the ban, but I’m just wondering…. what will become of the horses. I hope they go to sanctuaries or good homes and not….. oh I don’t even wanna say it.
55 Julie Woods // Feb 19, 2008 at 9:57 pm
I have been riding for most of my life. To watch those horses breaks my heart. Their hooves are usually in very poor condition due to the hard surface they work on. They appear to be exhausted, as they work into the early morning hours. Historically, the blinders were used to minimize spooking. However, Horses’ eyes are NOT on the front of their heads….so, by using blinders, their vision is greatly decreased. Don’t get me started about the horses on Mackinaw Island in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
56 Francesca Matsuda // Feb 19, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I live in Chile, but I know PETA, i am subscribe to them, and I get this mail, I saw the video, tears in my eyes, I am a veterinarian, I care so much for animals, if I can help in cases like this, I do it.
People, please, animals are living creatures just like us, we are they big brothers…Help them if we can…
So sad….
57 Mirta // Feb 19, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Sad to say, in my city they just decided to try with a few Horse-Drawn Carriages,.We had not them before.Hope nobody will use them.Because if they fail,they will take them off again.
58 Lucy // Feb 19, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I have lived in NYC for most of my life. I never, ever took a ride in one of these carriages. I was always awe struck by these beautiful animals. They should not be subjected to NYC traffic. The taxi’s are the worst & don’t give a damn about people let alone horses. Stop the tourist thing for the sake of the horses. No more need to get hurt or die from this.
59 Victoria Mary Stong / Animal Rights Activist // Feb 19, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I am a former Horsebackrider and have been in 3 Horseshows at Smoke Run Farm in Stony Brook, N.Y. while attending the upstanding private school “The Knox School”. I learned to respect Horses even more there due to the very loving, caring, professional and dedicated Riding Teachers like George Lukemire and Ms. Phebe Phillips-Burns. It horrifies me that Horses in this day and age are being used for Horse Carriages having to walk on concrete(not dirt), being subjected to all kinds of alarming, unhealthy, screeching & harassing noises, hazardous drivers, noxious fumes, accidents, lack of visibility due to blinders, extreme stress to their bones, constant strain on all of their bodies to pull a carriage and at least 1 person regularly, exposure to extreme weather, being a prisoner unable to excersize when not on the road and all the other neglect and abuse that comes along with this inhumane treatment of our beautiful majestic Horses. Many Horses are neglected of proper medical care and are not cleaned regularly to prevent infections sustained in the streets too. I pray that this ban goes into affect as soon as possible. The Horses lives are depending on it!
60 Wendy // Feb 19, 2008 at 5:44 pm
They are beautiful giving animals and they deserve a better life. That is no place for a horse.
If you’re going to have the horse and carriage in NYC, keep it off the busy streets and have it City run, not private. Have it monitored by a 24/7 Vet.
61 Linda MIhovich // Feb 19, 2008 at 5:40 pm
NYC is certainly not an environment for a horse. To be honest, I don’t approve of any carriage riding, regardless of the romance attached to it. Having taken a lesson in riding, and although the horseman was a caring man and treated his horses well, I did not feel good about putting all that equipment on the horse or the reins in his mouth — I became claustrophobic and decided against this sport. The horses should roam free in the fields– as free as we would want to be. They don’t belong to us.
62 Valerie // Feb 19, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Wow, I’m trying to comment but the tears will not stop.I use to live in Texas and I was around horses more than half my life.These are majestic animals and they do not belong anyplace where there is pollution, crazy drivers, fireworks, machinery, horns honking, construction, etc,.They belong in a pasture with room to run and buck and show there personalities. They all have a unique personality that is so beautiful.If you have been around horses, you know what I mean.They need grass and hay and food and water.These idiots are just making a quick buck off these animals and they are dying or becoming maimed in the process.They are beautiful animals and they do not deserve to be exploited like this.We have to stop this ASAP. Please, they need our help.They don’t want to be there.They need grass under their hooves, pastures to roam and clean air to breath.God help them all.Stop the madness.
63 Jackie February 19, 2008 // Feb 19, 2008 at 5:23 pm
The video says it all - the horses are suffering and the horses are in danger. The horses that have done this job for so long need to be allowed to retire at some place SAFE and PLEASANT - not some place where there will be continued abuse. Please stop this inhumane treatment of these beautiful animals.
64 Bunny Johnson // Feb 19, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Stop this nonsence!!!
Give those beautiful animals a place to roam and romp. Pull the carts with a small car, if you must ride in a cart.
65 mary // Feb 19, 2008 at 5:17 pm
In the Blinders piece they show horses housed in buildings. That is very true. I go to the PIER ‘S . It’s part of the Javits Center, when they have retail shows. There located at 12th ave and 52nd street. And that is where you can see these majestic beauties housed like some kind of bizarro scene. All throughout that neighborhood. It’s bizzare to say the least. I almost hate going because I know that I will see these beautiful animals just for us the public. I think that we are the real animals. We must stop this insane behavior.
66 Jason 'Great White' (Shark) // Feb 19, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Thank you for bring this to my attention, I am a diehard animal rights person and I never made the obvious connection. The romantic image of the whole thing, thanks to the money greedy media, blinded my requirements for animal cruelity practice.
67 Regina // Feb 19, 2008 at 4:57 pm
This shit must stop! I’m in NYC right now and you can see those horses miserable existence!! You look at people riding those carriages and you just want to get up there and slap the crap out them!!
I’m from San Diego and the same thing happens there too.
68 Coop // Feb 19, 2008 at 3:34 pm
This shouldnt even be considered a TRADITION.
When i came here, they told me the horses were very well-treated! if this is well-treated , then shoot me !
horses are very intelligent animals and very deserving of their own friendly envirnnoment!
and omg ! that horse that couldnt reach his WATER !! That sucks !
69 roxanne isaac // Feb 19, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I haven’t ridden a horse drawn carriage since I was in New York 6 years ago. I took my two daughters to Central Park and was disgusted with the treatment of the horses. All for the love of money. Eventually people that mistreat ANY animal will have to answer for it. Good luck to them!
70 Jodi Priebe // Feb 19, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I am truly amazed at the people that still pay for a carriage ride. Those are the people that support this cruel abuse to animals. Thank god for PETA being the voice of the horses. Owning a horse of my own, I can’t image her enduring this daily abuse. Horse are animals that need to roam outside in the country. Not breathing exhaust fumes daily and being subjected to crazy New Yorkers. It’s sad that this is still allowed.
71 Primrose Elisma // Feb 19, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I can not believe the abuse and horror done to these beautiful creatures that are just put in the middle of a city they don’t even know. I don’t understand why we are still using horses when there is public transportation-they are being trapped in cages when they should be roaming free like wild horses should. We need to ban horse drawn carriages and just take a bus, taxi, or train like every other New Yorker is doing. To continue this will be such a horror-how many more horses need to die for this to end.
72 wesley douvos // Feb 19, 2008 at 3:15 pm
even if the horses a well treated by there owner’s horse’s should not be working they should be given there right to be a horse. i was in greece on an island called spetses…. there where working horse’s there too…. taking tourist around and around all day.they where panting thirsty…….its cruel all of it!
73 Ryan // Feb 19, 2008 at 3:07 pm
The whole “anti PETA” bandwagon is just lame. The actual facts here are that there is no need for horse and carriages to exist. This isn’t the 1700’s. Its abusive to any animal to be forced to pull an incredibly heavy carriage though one of the most crowded chaotic cities in the world. Frankly no horse wants to be “owned” by anyone and kept in stables their whole lives. let them free andthey would be much happier. Go see the horses that live in the wild off the island of assateague island in virgina if you want proof. Owning a horse is just obnoxious to begin with and something snobby rich people and fools take part in.
74 michele // Feb 19, 2008 at 2:57 pm
to all who think it is OK for this industry to continue in NYC - I say this - come and have a look for yourself. dont listen to us. take a visit to NYC - go have a look at the line of horses. they are miserable - you can see it in their eyes. while you are here - go and have a look at their home - an 8×8ft box located on the west side highway - tons of traffic and noise - no peace- they never get to run free, play or just relax.
This must be stopped and we will not stop campaigning for this ban.
There is enough hurt and misery in this world - why do we need to continue to add to it?
75 Roxanne // Feb 19, 2008 at 2:43 pm
It never fails to amaze me that you can have a passion for anything that is extreme-politics, human rights, etc..but when you say “animal activist” people immediatly dismiss anything you have to say because all the sudden you are an “extremist”. As for PETA even being mentioned in the same paragraph as the Holocaust..That is a hypocritical statement from someone trying to accuse PETA of being extreme! I could care less who thinks I am a “tree hugger” and a “PETA kook”..I have eyes -and sorry, being locked in a brick building while you are not exposed to traffic and other daily dangers IS my idea of cruelty. I shudder to think what the people critizing PETA think cruelty is..and lets all hope to God they are not pet owners.
76 Elizabeth // Feb 19, 2008 at 2:36 pm
The fact remains, these horses don’t belong in that environment. I lived in NY for 2.5 years and the idea that it is hard for a car to drive there, what in the minds of these people make them think that a horse can do any better. These are living, breathing creatures who need our protection from people who’s only intent is to make money off the torture and inhumane treatment of these horses.
Get off your butts and get a job! And stop making these horses live in this environment that they choose not to live in!
It is cruel and down right wrong! They deserve to live a life free from having such stress in their lives. They belong out in the fields running. Not wedged between hundreds of cars that will only be their demise! Stop being selfish and give them their lives back!
DO THE RIGHT THING!
77 donnac. // Feb 19, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I think back in 1920 carriage horses worked out ok but in this day and age it does not. We as humans consistently adapt to change because we are able to understand why. Animals cannot! A busy city street is not where they belong. They belong on a farm, they always have… Why don’t we let them be. You know, “live and let live”. As far as the animal abusers are concerned, well don’t get me started!!!!
78 cleeo84 // Feb 8, 2008 at 6:12 pm
i have a horse, i took him on when his owner was banned from keeping animals, thunder was used as a carriage horse, and he was left in a small brick building when he was not being used, he was never given any freedom what so ever. But thunder’s last owner is just one person, not every carriage owner is like this, most of them care very much for there animals, and if you check i can tell you now that the animal welfare service in new york keep an eye on things, if they think someone is miss treating there horse it is removed, like thunder was. i back your campand to stop those that miss treat there animals but not for those that love them and take very good care of them.
79 ginger // Feb 4, 2008 at 5:43 am
Im not blaming the carriage drivers. thay may love their horses and treat them very well, but hte environment,the constantnoise, the constant danger, it must be terrifying for the horses.
80 ginger // Feb 4, 2008 at 5:39 am
and honestly, ITS NOT LIKE WE NEED TO USE THEM FOR TRANSPORT ANYMORE.
81 ginger // Feb 4, 2008 at 5:35 am
also, i noticed there was a post here from an experienced farrier who said that it does cause terrible damage tothe horses feet walking these ny pavements all day, so how can you justify that.
and, for anyone with stars in their eyes,musician PINK has joined the crusade to help these poor animals.
“Every time I see a horse-drawn carriage in a concrete jungle, I point and yell ‘animal cruelty’ at the top of my lungs to try to make the driver and occupants as uncomfortable as possible,” says Pink. “It honestly hurts my heart when I think of what those horses must be feeling, as far as anxiety and fear, and how unnatural and wrong it is for these animals to have blinders on, trotting up and down on concrete, while taxis blare and people scream. It’s absolutely unnatural and ignorant of us to continue this outdated tradition. What about this is romantic?”
apparently theres a petition at peta.org that you can sign, or better yet write your own personalletter to the mayor of ny or anyone important. i know i will.
82 ginger // Feb 4, 2008 at 5:23 am
i guess i never really thought about it but now i have and yes, its horrible.
i dont live in ny and i never even knewthat they still had this horse ride thing going. its crazy. i’d read about how hard a life it was for carriage horsesin the past but i never imagined that this still go on.
and diane, i cant imagine what it must have been like seeing that beautiful majestic creature,and then having to pass the crash. but maybe itd be good if more people had seen it, so they would understand.
this documentary is a good thing, i want people to know howw hard it is for the horses.
we have cars now, we dont need to ride in the carriages becuase its pretty and fun, when the horses suffer.
and honestly, when youthink of how much the city pollution stuffs people up, asthma, and all that, think twhat it must be doing to the horses all day. its just sad
83 (CC)sweet16!!! // Feb 1, 2008 at 4:38 pm
“Krystal”
My GOD!!! For one, its IGNORANT. And for two, what being ignorant about something has nothing to do with being a cunt. So get your facts straight. THIRD. DID YOU NOT READ MY OTHER POSTS?? I love my horses. And YES. I do have an interest in what an animal can do> Do you own a horse? Do you know how expenseve it is to keep one? For me, i CANT keep horses unless i can get some sort of income from it. I HAVE NO CHOICE. Same as the cabbies. FOURTH. WHEN THE HORSE HAD SHOES IT does NOT hurt the hoof. Letting him walk barefoot will wear the hooves down and hurt them. Now what are YOUR shoes for? Thats right sweetie. TO KEEP YOU FEET FROM GETTING HURT WHILE WALKING OR RUNING ECT.!!!! And not everybody can afford land for “running free” as you say. You need to stop trying to state facts and trying to make yourself sound like you know what youre talking about.
84 Ryan // Feb 1, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Mike,
It’s good to see common sense being posted here, and from a man with experience and understanding of the industry. The PETA sheep seem to do as they’re told with total faith, and that’s just socially irresponsible. Thank you for speaking up.
Krystle,
You have spoken like a true PETA extremist. Try to silence the opposition by using foul language and discredit people who actually have experience in the matter. You speak with emotion, but not with much knowledge. Try learning a bit about horses, (not by way of PETA marketing, but from a credible source) and you might realize how badly you’ve been duped.
Horses should never be abused, nor should any other animal. But if you are going to fight abuse, be sure you know what it is first. Well cared for and happy horses (which represent the majority) pulling carriages is not abuse. Horses being beaten is abuse. I can only hope you can figure out the difference between the two.
85 Krystle // Jan 31, 2008 at 5:06 pm
To kayla (cc) i looked at your myspace page and it is obvious that you know a thing or two about horses. That is why i am writing this to you. I know that if a horse is wearing shoes and walking on cement or asphalt its very painful. I know how skittish horses can be. I know that they need plenty of open space for them to run and play. I know that the city is no place for one. All i can say is that you make yourself look very ignorent, and you obviously only care about what animals can do you you, not what you can do for the animals. Please dont say these things any more, you look like a cunt for saying them.
86 Mike // Jan 31, 2008 at 2:38 pm
This film is not a true depiction of most carriage operations. There are good and bad operators in every profession. It is unfair to show the bad ones and not the good. Most carriage operators love their horses and treat them as if they were a part of their own family. My horses for example are our family pets and my daughters have shown them in 4H for years. Admittedly, there are bad operators but that does not mean we should scrap the entire business. There are plenty of bad drivers but we still allow people to drive. There are bad dog and cat owners but people are still allowed to have them as pets. Carriage horses are equine athletes who love and need daily exercise. If you banned the carriage industry you would be condeming countless horses and hurting the horses as well as those “good” horse owners. There are organizations that are interested in the humane treatment of these majestic animals without condeming them to a life of poor conditions and inadequate exercise (American Horse Council and Carriage Operators of North America to list two). It is evident that some of the owners and drivers that were shown in the film are not good operators and lack the attributes to be a good operator. This is why training, education, certification, and observation is needed to insure operators and drivers are trained, qualified, and observe the basic guidelines needed to insure the humane treatment of the animals and safe operation of their carriage. Fanatic organizations like PETA only worsen the problem and do not look at the big picture. Currently in the US the horse population is out of control and current “feel good” regulations brought about because of near sighted organizations like PETA has only made the situation worse. There are two sides to every situation and rarely is only one of them correct. Before going off half cocked on a problem, get the facts.
87 Mari // Jan 31, 2008 at 1:46 am
This makes me remember the book Black Beauty which helped people become aware of the cruelty that horses had to go in the 1800s, and it is still going on today. I hope this helps people realize how horrible a life this is for horses.
88 Ellie // Jan 31, 2008 at 12:40 am
I had no idea that the horse draw carriages in New York go out in the streets. Are they out of their minds?! If you MUST keep the romanticism of horse-drawn carriages, AT LEAST get them out of the streets, for god’s sake! To people who said we’ve been brain washed, how is caring about a living creature brain washing? Obviously Buddhism would never work out for you. And to the guy who said why not support the troops who actually need it? Yeah, last time I checked, you can support multiple causes. And those troops chose to sign up for service, nobody forced them. These horses are being forced to work in hazardous conditions without proper care and they don’t have a choice. All for the sake of making a buck. It makes me sick.
89 Just Some Girl // Jan 30, 2008 at 7:18 pm
The video makes a good point. I know a lot of you believe that the ban would kill a lot of animals, but it could also save thousands of more from going towered the cruel fate. They are currently being tortured to death slowly. Besides, if you think of how many people actually would be willing to take the horses, it may be for the better.
I also question how some of you can question PETA’s motives. They are only trying to work for the good of the animals. As many people have said before, there is no outcome without a consiquence. So think of it this way. What COULD happen if it was set into motion? I am not saying ones right and ones wrong, but look at it from their eyes. These people are only trying to stop injustice that is being delievered to those who can feel, but not speak.
I am sorry if I offend anyone, but that is my own personal opinion.
90 (CC)sweet16!!! // Jan 29, 2008 at 5:24 pm
ahhhhhhhh.. this shits pointless….. some people are just so wrapped up in their opinions (that are formed by propoganda) they assume theyre right and that this dumbass movie is automatically correct… its ubsurd.. get over PETA….
91 Ashleigh - Perth Australia // Jan 29, 2008 at 12:28 am
Fuk…thats fukin cruel
92 ann-wisconsin // Jan 28, 2008 at 11:24 am
I never knew. That was horrifying. Thank you for making this movie.
93 Nikki // Jan 28, 2008 at 8:44 am
I think so far Ryan has made the best point. What DOES happen to the horses that are currently carriage horses if this ban is set?
Its like a no win situation. Those that are already “employed” as carriage horses will most likely be sold and killed or just killed and if we keep carriage horses around NYC than more horses will be abused and killed in the long run.
A long time ago I’m sure horses being on the streets was just fine, but now things have so incredibly changed. They can’t go on like this. It makes me sad to think we live in one of the “greatest cities” and yet this is how we are still treating our animals.
Something HAS to be done. And to be honest, I hope PETA stays out of it because like someone else said, they’d rather see the animal dead. They like to seem like they are out for the animal but kill more animals than one can count. Ugh.
94 Ryan // Jan 27, 2008 at 8:43 am
Susie,
Thank you for your kind words. I am just a lay person who understands things and sees them for what they are. I find it obscene that people take up causes, on either side, without truly trying to understand the issues at hand. I’ve never been involved in the carriage industry, but it didn’t take much reading to get caught up, something other people should try.
You can click on my name to see my blog, which is fairly new, and I’ll likely be writing a piece about this issue. You can contact me there if you like.
I’m glad to see that at least you have considered the aftermath such a ban would create. Imposing reasonable and effective regulations would still be the best solution for all involved, most importantly for the horses. Baning them would be signing more than a few death warrants, even if speaking solely in a spiritual manner. But it seems PETA would rather an animal be dead or extinct than serve any human purpose, so maybe they’re OK with this?
Extremism like that found at PETA is what starts wars, allows holocausts, and takes down buildings with airliners. I would gladly back an animal rights group that had a level head about the issues. Any animal rights organization that refuses to take an animal’s happiness or will into consideration is not rightfully an animal rights movement, it is a self serving human interest group with animals as a vehicle. It’s a damn shame so many have bought into it hook line and sinker. I’m a huge Pink fan too. I feel she has been used and exploited more than if she’d done raunch porn. I hope she can save face and pull out with a realization of the facts, perhaps turning the tables on PETA, but I doubt she is brave enough.
95 Susie // Jan 26, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Ryan,
Your posts are awesome. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you had some experience in the carriage industry. Maybe we should talk??
96 Susie // Jan 26, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Times have changed. Cities grow and expand. Traffic is heavier than ever before (at least in my city which isn’t NYC). There isn’t room for horse drawn carriages on the city streets. And while people will argue that the horses are well kept or their drivers love them, the end of the story is these animals are dead on their feet. It’s always sad to see things come to an end but change is part of life. The biggest concern should be what will be done with these animals once they are no longer being used? My guess is some will be kept as pets but many will suffer further. Chances are that if those horses aren’t making their own money, they will not be eating and will eventually die to neglect/starvation or will be sold to a kill buyer. While horse slaughter isn’t legal here in the USA, it IS in Canada and Mexico. Who’s going to stand up for these horses once they are out of work? Perhaps the folks trying to ban horse drawn carriages should be also promoting their care once their owners ditch them.
97 Scrap5000 // Jan 24, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Bridget: I think it’s just plain bad luck to know you, judging from all the accidents that have happened to people close to you.
Your mom, your aunt, your cousin, and your uncle.
Hhmmm…
98 Ryan // Jan 24, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Bridgette,
I am sorry for your loss. I can see that you at least have the sense not to buy everything PETA is selling, and I applaud you for that. One thing that needs to be taken into consideration is how horses or conditioned to the city.
If you take a bushman from some remote and primitive village, plop him in the middle of New York, and gauge his response, you’ll see a man loose his mind in short order. Take that man’s newborn and raise him in the city, the city will not be at all traumatic and he may flourish in the city. Horses can be spooked, and perhaps the horses should have some sort of stimulus test they would have to pass before being aloud to work in the city?
Some may consider that inhumane, but why not lessen the risk by disqualifying horses who spook or react poorly to city stimulus? Allow those who don’t mind the city to work there and place the one’s who don’t in a more tranquil setting. Not all horses spook, and some certainly see the city in which they work as a familiar and, as hard as this may be to fathom, an enjoyable place.
One of my bigger issues I have with PETA, which there are many, is that while they claim to treat animals ethically, they seem to have no consideration for what makes animals happy. Some animals LIVE for human contact, something that is now apart of their genetic makeup. To not consider that is to not consider the animal itself, and that is contrary to the cause they claim to fight for.
I think you are biased to the issue, and rightly so given your history. I just think there should be a solution that is more reasonable that would serve all interests involved, not one side or the other. Steps have apparently been taken, with the limits of service and other efforts.
Certain horses should not be there, that is clear. A humane process in which to discover that would be a good solution. You can’t, however, limit danger to horses in general, as a horse could be living the perfect PETA idealized existence and still suffer a fatal injury.
Just as making drunk driving was an appropriate step as opposed to banning cars, we should allow only horses comfortable with city conditions operate withing the city, as opposed to banning them altogether?
Reason is the key to solving problems. Emotion just makes us aware of problems, and does little to create a solution.
99 Nadia // Jan 24, 2008 at 8:37 pm
WE MUST STOP THIS!!! Not only in NYC but also in all big cities like Montreal
100 Bridget // Jan 24, 2008 at 8:11 pm
What about emergency vehicles trying to get around horses. What if you or your family members were the ones waiting on that emergency vehicle and had to wait a long time because a horse was impeding traffic? When you are in an emergency waiting for help, even one minute feels like a lifetime. At least vehicles can move out of the way fairly easy and if they don’t they can be ticketed for not giving the emergency vehicle the right of way. I don’t think the horses care for the loud sirens, which may freak them out. Doesn’t sound safe to me and being a nurse I am all about safety and prevention.
101 Bridget // Jan 24, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Scrap5000, yes I know that millions of things kill millions of people- I am a nurse and deal with death and dying every day. If there is a way to minimize the possibility, why not? I have had an aunt and cousin killed by a drunk driver-experts know that drinking and driving is dangerous, so it’s against the law. I had an uncle step off a sidewalk into the street and get killed by a driver. In cases like that, and the driver is found liable they are charged with reckless driving/manslaughter/or whatever the case may be and sent to jail. There are laws out there to deter things from happening and minimize the possibility of a tragedy. I am not saying ban carriage rides- I am saying ban them in cities where there is a lot of auto and foot traffic that may make the horse nervous. How can that be safe, especially in NYC where you have impatient New York drivers and VERY impatient taxi drivers just trying to make more money, driving recklessly, and endangering the horses and the people riding in the back. I have seen first hand how NYC drivers drive. We almost got hit crossing in a crosswalk. They have their own rules there-where most pedestrians have the right of way, in NYC the drivers think they have the right of way. They aren’t going to wait on a horse to get by, especially when they don’t even care about humans. So what is irrational about that??? I believe there are way too many laws out there that should be taken off the books and like I said before, I don’t agree with everything PETA agrees with. They believe that I should not have my dogs and cats as pets. And yes, I kill mosquitoes and other bugs. But I will stand behind them on this matter. They are looking out for the horses’ best interests.
102 Bridget // Jan 24, 2008 at 7:02 pm
“CC” I’m sorry for what happened with you too and your accident, but I think you misunderstood my statement. I am NOT blaming the horse that killed my mother. I think horses are beautiful creatures, I even had a pony when I was younger, but they can be weird and get spooked so easily. My pony used to escape from her fence and run through the neighborhood. We always worried that she was going to get hit by a car. We finally gave her to relatives that had a lot more land and a place for her to be free. That’s how they should be-out in the open where they can run free, not in a congested city with cars flying by honking horns. Wouldn’t that make you nervous? I don’t see how anyone thinks this is ok. That to me is abuse. The carriage companies and the cities don’t care. It’s all about the almighty dollar with them. I felt it was not right to have them in the city before my Mom died. Only now I feel more passionate about it. I have been to NYC and know there are other places in the city to let the horses do the “work” they so enjoy. Like maybe Central Park or some other park. Not in the middle of traffic. I feel bad for the horses too- the ones that have been killed by speeding cars or the ones that get spooked and run into trees and cars and end up having to be euthanized. I don’t even agree with everything PETA does, but I do suppport this, as I’ve seen the horses being mistreated with my own eyes. How many horses and people have to die before these cities stand up and say “hey maybe this isn’t such a great idea.” If they have had a family member killed by a spooked horse they may change their minds. I don’t want anyone else to have to go through this and that’s why I support this ban!
103 Sean // Jan 24, 2008 at 6:23 pm
what’s the point of PETA trying to ban these things? Not just horse drawn carriages but hunting, fishing, even owning pets! ban any of these for a week or even a day and see what happens. I can tell you right now that it won’t be a pretty sight. I do not at all believe animals should be abused in any way, but it’s just plain stupidity to say that we should put an end to things people enjoy.
104 Lindsey // Jan 24, 2008 at 1:16 pm
This is horrible. I never would have known. WE MUST STOP THIS!!! TODAY!
105 Scrap5000 // Jan 24, 2008 at 11:00 am
Bridget: Sorry about your loss.
But millions of things kill millions of people, and we can’t possibly ban everything that could potentially kill us, or we will have NOTHING left in this world, including babies (”because, you know, childbirth is dangerous and can kill the mother!”).
As a society we keep moving towards this irrational goal of outlawing all these “dangerous” things, and we have to draw the line somewhere.
Now is definitely time to draw the line.
What if you mom had been crushed by a tree that was struck by lightning? Should we ban trees then? Because your idea of banning horses in the city follows the same irrational logic.
Stuff happens….it’s part of life. I’m sorry again for your loss, but that’s just part of the experience.
Every thing and every one dies, period. No matter what some cartoon movies and fairy tales would have you believe.
So live every day like it’s your last, and enjoy all life has to offer!
And that includes not driving yourself crazy trying to ban this thing or that thing because of your loss.
106 (CC)sweet16!!! // Jan 23, 2008 at 3:28 pm
“Bridget” Im sorry for your loss… But you also have to think of the PETA and animal activists that purposely spook them to prove an ubsurd point. Accidents happen, its nobodys fault. Its not logical to ban everything that takes things from us. And dont you dare say i dont know what you experanced. A few years ago, me and my sister went riding, we went across a road and a car came around, her horse spooked and slipped in the road. you can probablyfill in the rest. The horse lived. But i dont blame him for the accident, and still have him. Banning things you cant control is wrong. The horses are well taken care of and its the arrogant people who dont slow down for the horses, always run up to them, dont slow the cars down, or momentarly cease work when a horse passes. Think about it. But i am truly sorry for your loss.
“katie” How many of those accidents were from the irresponsability of people???
107 Bridget // Jan 23, 2008 at 11:43 am
May 3, 1984 changed my life forever. My Mom, who was selling her art at the marketplace in Charleston, SC was killed when a horse trampled her. The investigators think the horses were spooked by workers using jack hammers. The driver of the carriage was thrown off, injured, and had to be hospitalized. The horse broke loose from the carriage and ran through the market area jumping over tables and eventually trampling my Mom. The doctors could not save her due to all of her internal organs being damaged. I remember visiting my Mom a week before her death and a horse drawn carriage came by with a newly married couple in the back. My Mom and I both commented that the horses did NOT need to be down there with so many tourists and cars. We talked about how dangerous that was. That was a time when they started making the horses wear diapers too. My Dad sued and settled out of court. Some of my siblings and I felt that it needed to go to court to ensure that this did not happen again. It wasn’t about the money and by the way, my dad got less than half than he was suing for. No amount of money can take away the hurt I have felt for 24 years. I think about my Mom every day. My kids never got to know their grandmother and have missed out on so much. Not long after my Mom’s death another horse broke loose from it’s carriage and almost hit some young children. Luckily no one was hurt in that incident. When I lived in New Orleans a mule broke loose from it’s carriage and went through the windshield of a car and it’s legs landed in between the passenger’s legs. I support this petition to ban the horse drawn carriages. It is unsafe for the horses and innocent bystanders.
108 Scrap5000 // Jan 23, 2008 at 11:30 am
Oh, and I forgot to mention one of the hugest killers of all - malaria.
OVER A MILLION PEOPLE A YEAR DIE FROM MALARIA.
That’s over 2,700 human beings A DAY.
So Katie, on each of those days that you listed a poor horsey having an accident, TWO THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED members of your own species died from this one disease alone.
Wake up and put some energy into doing something good for your own species instead.
By the way, do you know what causes malaria?
Mosquitos!
And if you litsten to PETA, we should never kill ANY creatures at all, because “a mosquito is a dog is a boy”.
So the mosquitos that kill a million people a year should not be harmed; I guess we should just let our fellow one million people die every year instead.
STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!!!!
And all of you who are so brainwashed and blind to the stupidity of that should be bitten by hordes of those mosquitos.
When all of you morons are gone then people with brains can step in and make things right again.
http://www.PetaKillsAnimals.com
109 Ryan // Jan 23, 2008 at 1:24 am
RE: Fact sheet statistics…
If PETA wants to make a case for the safety of these horses they should start with a better case. The issue is NewYork, yet they give NATIONAL statistics. I counted the incidents in the last year in New York. 5 total incidents, involving two deaths of horses, one which seemed to be a health issue rather than an accident. The carriage driver in that case deserved a good whipping for abusing the horse, which I’m adamantly against. So the actual accident count is about 4 in the year of September 06-07, according to PETA, with a fifth incident involving abuse and a death.
From a safety standpoint, these are extremely good numbers. 4 accidents and 2 deaths within a year in New York? In that concentration of wild horses you are likely to find higher death and accident rates. Compare them to pedestrian, bicycle, auto, and perhaps even public transport and I doubt you will find accident numbers and fatalities nearly as low. I would have expected many more mathematically. Looks as though New York has a fairly decent grasp on the situation, though there is certainly always room for improvement. I’d like to think the Carriage driver involved in the death of Juliet September 14th 06, was brought up on charges, but I don’t have that information. Fighting towards making horse abuse a felony offense would be a reasonable and noble cause. A citywide ban is not, certainly not at these numbers.
Emotion is a handy tool when fighting for a cause, and animal welfare is a worthy cause, so long as it is justified by actual issues and not just rare incidents. Using emotion alone rather than facts is propagandist and irresponsible. The Bush administration did the same thing, are you happy with that scenario? Unless you consider an issue from both sides you really have no business taking a firm stance either way.
I guess PETA is a business like any other, and even bad press is good advertising for more donations. Follow the money. PETA wants to stay alive, so creating issues is a way to generate revenue. The cause is a noble one, but they have perverted it by not being forthcoming or reasonable, not to mention having ideals that are completely impossible and downright nutty.
I love animals, but to suggest we should never benefit from the labor or otherwise from any animal is downright absurd. I’ll go back to dogs. When treated right, they love to perform work for man, they have 15,000 years of genetics driving them to serve us, in turn making them happy. PETA would have you believe that a dog pulling a cart is abuse. The truth is that some dogs are the happiest in their harness pulling, just as working out makes some humans happy. Sure, strapping a Westy to a wagon won’t go over well, and an animal should never be overloaded. But you take a Malamute dog, or a Belgian horse for that matter, and they will be the happiest pulling a load of some sort, so long as the conditions are good. Animal rights are important, but so is preserving what makes them happy, a topic that seems to be overlooked.
Educate yourself.
110 Scrap5000 // Jan 23, 2008 at 1:07 am
Katie…
And your point is….WHAT?
Pick any one of those dates, and you will find thousands, if not MILLIONS, of car, train, bus, truck, plane, ship, walking, running, jogging, hiking, slipping in the bathtub, falling down stairs, slipped on ice, electrocution, drowning, suicide, homicide, trampled, crushed, burned, hypothermia, heart attack, stroke, cancer, amyloidosis, aneuryisms, war, genocide, earthquake, tornado, tsunami, hurricane, typhoon, choking, hiv, rabies, shark attack, snakebite, spider bite, bee sting, ant sting, drug overdose, poisoning, medical malpractice, starvation, dehydration and exposure deaths of human beings. Just to name a few.
In light of that, your listing of 9 incidents of horses that had accidents is absolutely meaningless.
So I repeat…YOUR POINT IS WHAT?!
Wake up, people!!! Every living thing dies!!
And most every living thing has an accident or two in its lifetime, before it dies.
THAT IS LIFE!!
111 Katie // Jan 22, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Horse-Drawn Carriages Factsheet – Page 1 of 7 – Updated November 26, 2007
Incidents Involving Horse-Drawn Carriages
The following is a partial listing of incidents involving horses used in carriage operations. Contact PETA for documentation.
September 14, 2007/New York, New York: A horse who was spooked by a street performer’s drum ran nearly a block along the sidewalk before slamming into a tree and dying. The horse’s panic caused a second horse—who was still attached to a carriage—to dart into traffic and collide with a car.
August 17, 2007/Cincinnati, Ohio: A taxi cab hit the back of a carriage, knocking the carriage driver and the two passengers out of the buggy. The horse—with a carriage in tow—bolted and then ran into a moving vehicle. The horse sustained a gash on one of his or her legs, and the driver was taken to the hospital with a leg injury.
August 7, 2007/Montréal, Québec: A horse pulling a carriage used for tourists was spooked by the sound of a jackhammer, ran through a red light, and crashed into a truck. The driver was thrown off the carriage and taken from the scene by ambulance. The carriage was destroyed.
July 29, 2007/Roanoke, Virginia: Three people, including a 4-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl, were hospitalized after being thrown out of a runaway horse-drawn carriage. The carriage’s two horses bolted, and the driver lost control. The 15-year-old’s leg was run over by the carriage.
July 4, 2007/New York, New York: A frightened carriage horse bolted away from his driver and collided with a taxi on Central Park S. A motorcyclist abandoned his bike in order to avoid the horse. The cab driver was treated for injuries at the hospital, the horse suffered several gashes on one leg, and the cab sustained significant front-end damage.
June 17, 2007/Council Grove, Kansas: A car crashed into the back of a horse-drawn carriage, as did a second car, which hit the rear of the other car. Two people were treated for injuries at the hospital. The horse was euthanized because of severe injuries.
June 9, 2007/St. Augustine, Florida: Five passengers jumped out of a carriage when a horse bolted away from his driver and ran for several blocks. Two people were injured, including one who was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries.
June 2, 2007/New York, New York: A spooked carriage horse galloped away from his driver and was hit by an SUV in an intersection. When the horse fell, the carriage broke loose, was propelled into the air, and landed on the curb, barely missing pedestrians.
April 30, 2007/Blacksburg, Virginia: Two horses were spooked when the carriage they were pulling side-swiped a curb. They bolted and ran at least a half-mile. A 73-year-old man and his daughter were thrown out of the carriage. The man had to be air-lifted to the hospital.
To view the rest visit: http://blog.peta.org/archives/HDC%20Factsheet.pdf
112 sammy // Jan 22, 2008 at 9:47 am
people. this is one of the cruelest things i have ever seen in my life.this should NEVER have been aloud ! i don’t care if yee all think its a tradition its cruelty to animals! would yee like it if we asked you to fun around all day in your bare feet!no!did’nt think so, so why should the poor horses have to go through with this abuse.the roads are damaging their hoofs and and legs! i hate people who abuse and neglect animals this is NOT right. STOP it now. what have animals ever done to yee, just because yee are selfish and and dont care what the poor animals are going through! i mean it STOP it right now..p!nk i am with you the whole way you are my idol forever and you will get them to stop all of this i believe in you and so does all your fans ! love you p!nk!..xx and once again STOP animal cruelity right this minute..
113 Scrap5000 // Jan 21, 2008 at 10:13 am
Oh I just give up on you morons who use emotion instead of logic to look at the world. You remind of the people who say to Terrorists “Arms are for hugging….not fighting!” and then the terrorists draw straws for which one gets to cut off your arms.
And this line by Myst says it all:
“and third americans are fat (even though I’m one of them, i don’t plan on being an American for long)”
Well then hurry up and GET THE F*CK OUT!!
No one who made this country great wants you here anymore.
No one who died on foreign OR domestic land to protect your skinny ass’ right to say such stupid things should have done so, because you are not worth dying for, you piece of crap!!
Go live in Cuba or Venezuela or China, where you will be treated 100x worse than these horses of NYC!!
Or go live in France, along with all the other yellow bellied cowards who would be Hitler’s bitches right now if not for AMERICA, yet never appreciate all the american blood that was spilled for them.
You people make me sick.
114 Ryan // Jan 20, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Life is pain. If you want animals to live, you must concede that they will suffer at some point in their lives. Accidents and death occur to all living things, and the only way to stop that is to end all life. Is that what PETA wants?
This industry needs to be monitored closely for abuses. For example, the horse that was spooked probably shouldn’t be in the city, whereas other horses clearly enjoy what they do and the city is the home they enjoy. Just like humans, some prefer the country, other the city.
Many animals, including horses, dogs, mules, and oxen, actually enjoy the work that they do for humans. None of them enjoy being abused, and none ever should be. But utilizing an animal in a humane way should be admired and encouraged, so long as the animal in question enjoys the work.
As an example, my dog’s day is greatly improved when I hide from her in a field and she finds me using her nose. Performing this task makes her feel wonderful, evident in her body language. She gets to “hunt” for me. It gives her purpose, and she is actually healthier as a result. Animals can get depressed too, and for animals used to working for humans, not having a “rewarding” job to do is the real torture. The “rewarding” part is key, however.
I’m sure that the makers of this film will disagree, but many of the horses in the film looked as though they were walking with pride, something that doesn’t happen when in fear. (something PETA would try to convince you is their constant state of emotion)
As for the accidents and incidents seen in this film, more could be done by increasing the fines to humans causing the problems, along with better education. Stout fines for injury to horses and not giving carriages the right of way would be a start, along with restricting carriage use to lower traffic areas.
Additionally, would be do-gooders should note that horse travel is green, since the CO2 expelled is recovered by the process in which their food grows. They do not consume fossil fuels and therefore do not contribute to total greenhouse concentration in a significant way.
Before being convinced the world is falling, take a closer look. Sometimes it actually is, but be wary of the motives of those who sell sensationalism and extremism. Many Germans were sold on the idea that Jews and the disabled were a threat to their society, and we know how that turned out. Those who examined the truth from a realistic point of view either fought the movement or left Germany.
While PETA is not militant like the Nazis were, they are imposing their views using propaganda, fear, and terror, and their ideals are just as extreme and unrealistic, even if less bloody. That said, they do some good work, but then the Nazis built the Autobahn…
History is remembered for a reason. PETA is not a Nazi organization, and they certainly hold different values and goals. However, not acknowledging the parallels is a mistake of social and HUMANE conscience.
Stop animal cruelty for sure, but just be sure you unders