NEW YORK CITY (TND) — New York City Councilmember Robert Holden, D-District 30, on Thursday introduced new legislation to combat a “barbaric” trend in the city.
The legislation, called Ryder’s Law after a carriage horse who died in New York City in 2022, would ban the city’s horse carriage industry. In a press release, Holden condemned carriage horses, arguing the means of transportation is far outdated.
“The horse carriage industry is a barbaric industry that in the 21st century needs to go away,” Holden said. “With Ryder’s Law, we will finally free the horses, dismantle this cruel industry, and support the drivers in finding new, sustainable employment. Their union has shown a blatant disregard for their welfare, and it’s time we stepped in to provide them with the help they deserve.”
Ryder’s Law would protect horses from being forced to work amid sweltering summer temperatures and establish a workforce development program to help carriage drivers find other employment. The proposal follows video circulating on social media which shows a malnourished Ryder collapse in a New York City street.
*WARNING: The embedded video below contains visuals of animal cruelty.*
Also speaking on the legislation Thursday was PETA Director of Outreach Communications Ashley Byrne.
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“PETA applauds Council Member Holden for introducing a bill to put a stop to the gruesome scenes of horses colliding with cars, running loose in traffic, and collapsing on New York City streets,” she said. “We urge his colleagues in the city council to support this essential step forward.”
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