Historical horse -drawn carriages of Central Park could disappear by 2026. Mayor Eric Adams supports a proposal, known as Ryder’s Law, designed to end an industry that puts both horses and pedestrians at risk. The project provides for the human retreat of animals, the ban on new licenses and support programs to help carriages drivers move to electric vehicles. In the meantime, the city is intensifying control of the rules to guarantee public safety and animal protection.
Ryder’s Law’s origin
The law takes its name from Ryder, a horse that in 2022 collapsed on the street in Manhattan, forced to work sick and malnourished. This episode highlighted the systemic cruelty of the sector, where animals deal with intense traffic, extreme climatic conditions and resting deprivations and treatments. The project, promoted by the city councilor Robert Holden, aims to end these practices, ensuring that horses are transferred to sanctuaries and that drivers receive professional training for new job opportunities.
The reactions to the proposal
The Transport Workers Union (Twu), which represents 170 drivers of carriages and other workers, launched a 1 million dollar advertising campaign, attacking the mayor Adams and accusing him of betraying the workers. The campaign, also appeared in the local media, disputes the goodness of the proposal and underlines alleged ties of the mayor with animal rights groups such as NYCLASS.
On the side of Adams, however, there is the majority of citizens: polls indicate that 71% of New Yorkers want the end of the horse carriages. A spokesperson reiterated that the goal is to protect animals and citizens, while offering drivers alternative employment. The mayor stressed that the carriages are now incompatible with a busy and modern urban park, highlighting recent accidents in which horses have escaped dangerously.
Towards a safer future
Ryder’s Law represents an opportunity to make New York a more modern and respectful city of animals, following the example of other metropolises that have already banned horse carriages. The law aims to replace carriages with electric and eco-friendly alternatives, protecting animals, guaranteeing public safety and promoting cutting-edge urban values finally ending these barbaric and archaic practices.
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