According to a story in today's edition of the New York Post, the issues that the city's now contentious horse-drawn carriage industry is facing are not going away
.
The article states that a public hearing is scheduled for today. City councilman Tony Avella has presented a bill that would see the carriages, and the 220 horses that accompany them, taken off the streets -- a move which could cost 300 people their jobs.
Avella states that there have been at least seven accidents in the city in the last 18 months. The report states that accidents have injured five people and killed five horses. Avella suggests retraining carriage drivers for other avenues of employment and compensating stable owners for the losses.
The article offers mixed reviews of the measure, but concludes with a co-owning carriage driver debunking the call for a ban.
"This is a way of life for us," Frank Rodden was quoted as saying. "I love it, and my horses love it. The animal-rights people can scream abuse all they want (about abuse, etc.), but that doesn't make it true."
PETA recently launched a trivial campaign against the industry, prompting Hollywood star Liam Neeson to speak in support of the traditional and historic industry.
To read the New York Post article in its entirety, click here.
Also, to read Kelly Spencer's opinion on the matter via a Trot Blog entry, click here.
(With files from the New York Post)
I wish PETA would produce
I wish PETA would produce some long term factual information instead of constantly trying to appeal to the bleeding hearts out there with information taken out of context. Just keep these issues off a public ballot (which would let 90% of a population who has no interest in the matter vote for PETA ideas through fear tactics) and you should be fine. Brutal.
The Industry of the horse
The Industry of the horse drawn carriage, is one of beauty and elegance, and allows for a glimpse into the early ways of travel. As with any other mode of transportation there are always risks involved, and unfortunatly the potential for accidents. The treatment of the horses are usually above and beyond any standards set. you can always come across the sub standard, but again, that is the norm in anything in our society. It would be a true shame to remove this business, and special venue. Perhaps more should be done to regulate traffic signs, and marked roadlines for the automotive traffic to follow, and understand. giving the horses the right of way. If more was done to properly make aware those traveling, or biking and even walking in areas of horse carriage transport, it would greatly reduce the number of incidences. This is a better option than just taking the easy way out, and banning the regal carriage horses. I hope they are allowed to provide their most unique services, with pride, and safety.