NYCLASS - fighting to end the horse drawn carriage industry.

Yet another example of carriage horse cruelty.

While reporting on the seamy underside of The Kentucky Derby, the Healthy and Humane Observer would be remiss if we did not comment on a very relevant and current issue that is making headlines in New York city. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/13/nyregion/animal-rights-becomes-surprise-topic-in-new-york-mayoral-race.html  For the first time, animal rights are being factored into political campaigns and debates. This is not as a minor issue, but a major topic for candidates such as Bill Thompson, Bill de Blasio, John Liu, Sal Albanese and John Catsimatidis.  On May 6th, citizens will have an opportunity to ask these candidates their stand on banning horse drawn carriage rides in New York city.

NYCLASS has been working, tirelessly and diligently to "clean up" the streets of their city -New York - and end the use of horse drawn carriages.  The sentimental curtain that has veiled and romanticized this industry for so long must be lifted.  We must question our exploitative use of animals for entertainment(similar to the animals used in circus performances).  How are these animals treated when out of our sight?  Also, is this what these animals should be doing?  Simply because we can force animals to perform these various types of entertainment does that make it right or make it ethical, and should we do it? 

This is the mission statement and goals of NYCLASS: 

Mission Statement

NYCLASS (New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets) is a 501(c)4 non-profit animal advocacy organization committed to ending the inhumane practices of the NYC carriage horse industry. NYCLASS advocates for retiring the carriage horses to sanctuary, while modernizing the current industry with a clean and safe alternative to this outdated tradition - the 21st Century Horseless Carriage. Founded in 2008 by a coalition of prominent animal lovers and business leaders, NYCLASS has grown to over 97,000 supporters with activist chapters in all five boroughs.

Our Focus – Horse Carriages

The existence of horse carriages in Manhattan has been a controversial matter for many years. Horses have been severely injured or killed, while the quality of life and safety of many New Yorkers and tourists have been jeopardized. A coalition of citizen activists and grassroots advocacy organizers has decided to finally take a stand to push for an alternative to the horse carriage industry. In deciding to finally put an end to New York’s horse carriages, NYCLASS studied four main aspects of the industry that are detrimental to the health, safety and sensibility of New Yorkers as well as disadvantageous for the City’s economic base: 1) The industry’s use of horses is clearly inhumane and an impractical remnant of a bygone era 2) The quality of life issues created by the use of horse-drawn carriages 3) The industry’s lack of economic development and revenue enhancing abilities for New York City 4) The use of horse-drawn carriages causes traffic congestion which has a harmful impact on our environment.

NYCLASS has established a strong relationship with the ASPCA to help with the surrender of New York City's approximately 220 carriage horses and give them permanent homes.  No horse surrendered to NYCLASS and the ASPCA will be auctioned for slaughter. 

This group is coming up with innovative alternatives to animal exploitation and abuse.  NYCLASS has signed a contract to build electric, vintage replica cars to replace the horse drawn carriage.  http://www.nyclass.org/node/1818

For more information on NYCLASS, continual updates, and how you can help end the abuse of the carriage horse  industry please visit NYCLASS at:  http://www.nyclass.org/

Thank you to all the members of NYCLASS who see the need to stop this form of animal exploitation, and who are striving to protect defenseless animals, and make New York city an example of compassion.