As an animal lover, I've always had an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place for animals. Throughout my life, I've taken the time to rescue stray dogs, turtles, cats—name an animal, and I've probably helped rescue it. I often travel to New York City, a place of great beauty and vibrancy, but seeing the condition of carriage horses there is heartbreaking. Recently, a horse tragically passed away in Central Park—a stark, painful reminder of the urgent need for change.

The use of carriage horses in New York City is a decades-old tradition, but one that raises serious concerns about animal welfare and the working conditions these horses endure. It's hard to stand by and watch these majestic creatures being overworked and mistreated. We can't ignore the suffering or wait any longer for change. Despite promises for a ban, progress has stalled, leaving these gentle animals with little protection.

Carriage horses in bustling city streets face overwhelming stress: constant exposure to traffic, forced daily labor in extreme weather, and inadequate healthcare. Many horses work long hours without sufficient rest, and when they're no longer profitable, these horses often face grim futures.

The solution lies in adopting humane, modern alternatives for urban tours and transportation. Cities such as Montreal and Salt Lake City have abolished horse-drawn carriages, replacing them with charming electric carriages that provide entertainment without compromising animal welfare. It's time for New York City to follow suit and become a leader in humane tourism.

Additionally, it's crucial to implement and enforce stronger regulations to ensure horses are treated with dignity and respect throughout their service. This includes regular health checks, a limit on working hours, and mandatory retirement provisions.

By signing this petition, you're advocating for a compassionate and modern approach to urban tourism. You are helping to ensure that future generations will not witness tired horses enduring harsh conditions in the heart of New York City's vibrant streets. Let's make this change together. Your signature can help save countless horses from a life of indignity and hardship. Let's create a future where we celebrate and coexist with animals in harmony. Please, sign and share this petition to help end cruel practices and establish a better, more humane tomorrow in New York City.