NYC Horse Carriage Ban Rally: 'Ryder's Law' Aims to End Cruelty

NYC Rally Demands End to Horse-Drawn Carriages with 'Ryder's Law'

Animal rights activists are rallying in New York City on Thursday, urging the City Council to pass a bill that would ban the horse carriage industry. This bill, known as "Ryder's Law," is named after a 26-year-old horse that collapsed in the street in 2022.

The bill would prevent the city from issuing new licenses for horse-drawn cabs, aiming to end what activists call an "outdated, inhumane and unsafe" practice.

"In 21st Century New York City, and frankly anywhere else, we should no longer see horses laboring to pull carriages in city traffic," stated Council Member Robert Holden. "This is a no-brainer decision that would protect horses and the public and benefit workers, marking an end to this cruel and antiquated industry."

The bill also includes provisions to retrain carriage horse drivers for other jobs.

"We are constantly finding carriage horses forced into heavy Midtown traffic daily while elderly, injured and sick - just like Ryder was. These horses are suffering immensely," said Edita Birnkrant, Executive Director of NYCLASS.

The horse's handler was charged with animal abuse following the incident.

The rally aims to raise public awareness and pressure the City Council to vote in favor of the ban.