In just the past month, in NYC’s Central Park, there have been two tragic horse-drawn carriage incidents. In the first incident, a horse collapsed and soon died[1]. In the second, a spooked horse caused an accident that resulted in the death of an 18-year-old passenger of another carriage[2]. These events have renewed and elevated calls from the public and animal rights advocates to end animal-drawn carriage rides in cities, as the practice forces animals to work in dangerous, stressful, and unnatural conditions.
 
Earlier this month, Philadelphia’s City Council voted to prohibit horse drawn carriage rides[3]. This is a step in the right direction towards protecting animals in our Commonwealth. To address this issue on the state level, I plan to re-introduce legislation that would prohibit the use of animal-drawn carriages in the course of business, or for monetary gain, in cities with a population of 100,000 or more.  
 
I believe we have a responsibility to protect our animal friends and to end this inhumane and dangerous practice. I hope that you will join me in supporting this important legislation.

[1] Central Park carriage horse died after eating toxic shrub, examination finds - Gothamist
[2] Teen dies after runaway Central Park carriage horse crashes, NYPD says - Gothamist
[3] Philly bans horse-drawn carriages, a longtime tourism attraction in Old City | PhillyVoice