NO ENFORCEMENT of rules for Carriage Horses - please help

July 5, 2008

This is just pitiful. Please call the ASPCA and police in NYC re: the total lack of enforcement of basic "humane" (termed loosely) rules for carriage horses, and lack of ANY attention to "after hours" complaints about infractions!

NO ENFORCEMENT

Wild Wild West on Central Park South

One of the people who care about the carriage horses lives near the hack line on Central Park South and often sees problems. She walks her dogs late at night. Rather than to reinterpret what she wrote - this is her e-mail:

For months I have been reporting violations as seen in Central park and in Midtown to the ASPCA. We all know not one thing has been done, not one summons issued, they just call back to cover themselves so we don't feel ignored. Last night at 1AM in Central Park carriage number 1046's rear legs were buckling. I summoned two police officers while speaking to Humane Law's recording. After all the ASPCA keeps telling me that after 9PM they are not around and to call the police. The police flat out said they wanted zero to do with this and looked at me like I was nuts when I told them that the "A" had instructed us to call them. Both rear legs on this black horse (royal blue wagon) were buckling under, it could not even walk they were

folding. I told the driver I was a volunteer for the ASPCA and that they had to bring that horse back to the stable. I left a "strong" message for Humane Law. This horse was so weak its hind legs giving way. Of course the driver ignored me, the police ignored me, the A will do nothing. Its the summer and the horses are in BIG trouble once again. I know you all feel the same frustrations, but when you see an isolated incident it is more harsh that just statistics.

In addition two tourists had the driver of a carriage at midnight the night before whipping the horse to run fast. It broke into a fast run, faster than the permitted trotting and the Human Law Enforcement returned my call to tell me that they were not aware of any law regarding the galloping? Well i told them to read their handbook. NOTE: Please contact the ASPCA at 212-876-7700. Ask to speak with president Ed Sayres. The ASPCA should make a statement informing the public about what to do when they see an incident like the one described above. This should not be the Wild West with no enforcement at all. The police are responsible when the ASPCA is not available. But do they know that? This needs to be clarified. The Humane Law Officers also need to be aware of all aspects of the laws regulating this industry. According to the NYC Administrative Code - Section 17-330 h. Carriage horses shall not be driven at a pace faster than a trot. Riding horses may be ridden at a canter but shall not be galloped.

If you see any type of violation - in addition to calling the ASPCA Humane Law Division - 212-876-7700 - x 4450, please call these three NYC Council Members: Dan Garodnick - 212-818-0580; Gale Brewer - 212-873-0282; Christine Quinn - (212) 788-7210. The carriage horses work within their Council districts. Always report the date, time of incident; location; license number - description of horse, carriage and driver - and a good description of the issue. In addition, always let us know - coalitionbanhdc.