It breaks my heart to share that a tourist has tragically lost their life due to a horse and carriage accident in Central Park. The horse got spooked while the carriage driver was distracted, taking a photo of the family, leading to this devastating event. My condolences go out to the family and everyone affected. This isn't the 16th, 17th, or 18th century—it's time we put an end to this outdated and dangerous practice.

The reality is that these horse and carriage rides are not just relics of the past but serious threats to public safety and animal welfare. Horses can be unpredictable, especially in a bustling environment like New York City. They don't belong in heavy traffic or crowded areas where loud noises and sudden movements can easily frighten them, causing chaos and potential harm to both people and the animals themselves.

Currently, the number of these carriages is limited in Central Park, with maybe 20 to 30 still in operation. Many people, including the operators, are familiar faces within the community. This isn't just about reducing numbers but about making a stand for modern, humane alternatives.

Envision a city where we embrace progress, prioritizing innovative solutions for transportation and tourism that don't put lives at risk. We have the power to transition to alternatives that honor both our human and animal community members. Let’s ensure that no more lives are tragically cut short.

Join me in calling on the New York City authorities to ban horse and carriage rides in Central Park immediately. Please sign this petition to protect our city’s residents, visitors, and the horses that deserve better treatment. Together, we can make this critical change for safety and compassion.