As the proud owner of a pet shop in Hell’s Kitchen, I’ve dedicated my life to loving and pampering animals. Every day, I see the joy and healing they bring when they are treated with compassion. But just across the street, I’ve watched something heartbreaking: horses forced to pull carriages through Manhattan traffic, even during brutal heatwaves.

A few weeks ago, I saw one of these horses sweating and struggling in the heat, clearly uncomfortable. I hoped they were being properly cared for — but then, just days later, I saw the news: that very horse had collapsed in the street.

This is not just sad — it’s unacceptable. These horses are not machines. Forcing them to work in dangerous weather, on loud, busy streets, all for a few dollars a minute, is inhumane and outdated.