Animals don't deserve the cruel treatment they're subjected to in the streets of Manhattan. Imagine being forced to work tirelessly every day with no say in the matter, enduring harsh weather, without proper rest, care, or nourishment. This is the reality for many carriage horses in New York City, and it breaks my heart. The government is turning a blind eye to this issue, and this inaction is unforgivable.

These horses are being abused and worked to the brink of collapse, all for the benefit of tourism and entertainment.

Recent horse deaths in New York City include the carriage horses Lady and Ryder. Lady, a 15-year-old mare, collapsed and died in August 2025 after a necropsy suggested an aortic rupture due to a tumor. Ryder, another carriage horse, collapsed in 2022 and was later euthanized due to health issues, though his driver was acquitted of animal cruelty charges. 

It's a choice made by those who prioritize profit over the welfare of living beings, a choice that speaks volumes about our society's misplaced values. It is time to stand up for these voiceless creatures and demand their humane treatment. 

A significant change is needed. We must urge local authorities to implement stricter regulations and ensure that they are enforced. Those who exploit these animals for personal gain must be held accountable for their actions and penalized appropriately. We're demanding legal consequences, including jail time of 1-2 years for those found guilty of such heinous acts of cruelty.

Let's work together to end this cycle of abuse, align with cities worldwide that have banned carriage horses, and showcase that New York City cares about the welfare of all its residents, human and animal alike. Please, sign this petition and help put an end to this form of animal cruelty today.