0:00:06 27 sec
Procedure
Staff opens hearing with housekeeping instructions
Council staff instructs attendees to take seats, silence devices, and reminds them this is a government proceeding with decorum rules.
New York City Council
Committee on Health
Prohibiting the operation of horse drawn cabs
Jul 15, 2026 · 10:00 AM · 9 hr 26 min
Hearing
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and jump into the video at the segment start.
0:00:33 28 sec
Remarks
Chair Schulman opens hearing on Intro 943 to ban horse-drawn carriages
Chair Lynn Schulman opens the hearing on Intro 943, sponsored by Councilmember Marte, to prohibit horse-drawn cabs. She recognizes Speaker Menin and multiple council members in attendance.
0:01:00 32 sec
Remarks
Chair Schulman describes Romanch Mahajan's death in Central Park carriage accident
Schulman recounts the tragic death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who fell from a horse carriage in Central Park when the driver stepped away to take a photo and the horse bolted.
0:01:33 20 sec
CEREMONY
Moment of silence for Romanch Mahajan
The committee observes a moment of silence in memory of Romanch Mahajan.
0:01:53 1 min 35 sec
Remarks
Speaker Menin offers condolences to Mahajan family
Speaker Julie Menin delivers opening remarks, thanking Chair Schulman and Councilmember Marte, and addressing the Mahajan family directly with condolences for Romanch's death.
0:03:28 2 min 6 sec
Remarks
Speaker Menin on history of horse carriage debate and worker protections
Menin discusses the 40-year history of the horse carriage debate, acknowledges the industry's cultural significance and immigrant workforce, and commits to protecting workers and horses through the transition.
0:05:33 1 min 50 sec
Remarks
Speaker Menin on public safety concerns and growing support for ban
Menin cites nearly 70% of New Yorkers supporting a phase-out, references scores of accidents, and frames the issue as both public safety and animal welfare, calling for a civil and respectful hearing.
0:07:24 36 sec
Remarks
Speaker Menin honors Romanch's heroism and calls for passage
Menin describes Romanch's heroic act of trying to protect his mother, says the law named in his honor will protect residents, tourists, and horses. She turns the hearing back to Chair Schulman.
0:08:00 1 min 41 sec
Remarks
Chair Schulman details Intro 943 provisions
Schulman calls the driver's conduct reckless and preventable, references prior horse deaths including Denise and Ryder, and outlines Intro 943's key provisions: no new licenses after June 2028, humane horse disposition, and workforce development programs.
0:09:41 41 sec
Remarks
Chair Schulman on changing city landscape and public safety risks
Schulman discusses how Central Park has become more congested with pedestrians, bikes, e-bikes, and pedicabs, making horse carriage operation increasingly dangerous for all street users.
0:10:22 1 min 57 sec
Remarks
Chair Schulman on transition responsibilities and decorum
Schulman emphasizes the need to protect both horses and workers, calls for civil proceedings, and thanks committee staff and her team for their extensive preparation.
0:12:19 1 min 26 sec
Remarks
Councilmember Marte sponsors Intro 943, cites 128 carriage accidents in 34 years
Councilmember Marte, the bill sponsor, thanks leadership and advocates, cites 128 documented carriage accidents in 34 years, multiple horse deaths, and argues the industry does not work in modern NYC.
0:13:45 2 min 19 sec
Remarks
Marte refutes industry safety reform arguments
Marte systematically refutes industry arguments about training, hitching posts, and government oversight, noting the industry refused independent vet inspections and that drivers were documented leaving horses unattended even after Romanch's death.
0:16:04 1 min 16 sec
Remarks
Marte refutes slaughter argument and calls for passage of Romanch's Law
Marte addresses the slaughter concern by noting a broad coalition of sanctuaries willing to pay full price for horses, and calls for passage of Romanch's Law to end the industry, find safe homes for horses, and transition workers.
0:17:20 38 sec
Procedure
Chair Schulman recognizes new members and introduces family testimony
Schulman recognizes newly arrived council members and introduces the Mahajan family testimony segment, beginning with Priya and Deepak Mahajan.
0:17:58 4 min 42 sec
Public Testimony
Deepak Mahajan testifies about son Romanch's death
Deepak Mahajan, Romanch's father, delivers emotional testimony about the family's trip from India, the carriage ride, the horse bolting, his son's fatal head injury, and the devastating impact on the family.
0:22:40 3 min 32 sec
Public Testimony
Gaurav Mahajan (uncle) testifies about Romanch's bravery and requests memorial
Gaurav Mahajan, Romanch's uncle, describes Romanch as a brilliant aspiring entrepreneur, recounts his bravery in trying to save his mother, and references decades of carriage-related injuries. He requests a permanent memorial at the site.
0:26:12 2 min 26 sec
Public Testimony
Naveed Margaret (aunt) testifies about family's grief
Naveed Margaret, Romanch's aunt, testifies about the family's grief, the silence in their home, and urges the council to pass the ban so no other family experiences this nightmare.
0:28:38 5 min 5 sec
Public Testimony
Sovya and Anuj Tukral testify about family's trauma
Sovya and Anuj Tukral, Romanch's aunt and uncle, describe the phone call hearing the family's screams, the history of carriage incidents, and the devastating impact on Romanch's mother Priya, who is numbed and devastated.
0:33:43 1 min 23 sec
Public Testimony
Family member describes Priya's devastation and household grief
A family member continues describing Priya's devastation, how she watched Romanch take his last breath, and how their house went from the energy of Disneyland to a graveyard.
0:35:05 2 min 2 sec
Public Testimony
Family attorney Sagar Chada vows to hold city accountable
Sagar Chada, the family's lawyer, states the incident was entirely avoidable, that Romanch came as a tourist and died as a son of the city, and vows to hold the city accountable for decades of enforcement failures.
0:37:07 27 sec
Procedure
Administration witnesses sworn in
Committee counsel administers the oath to the two administration witnesses from DOHMH and DCWP.
0:37:34 3 min 11 sec
Agency Testimony
DOHMH Deputy Commissioner Schiff testifies on administration's position
Corinne Schiff, Deputy Commissioner for Environmental Health at DOHMH, testifies about the department's oversight role, licensing process, and states the administration supports the intent of Intro 943 while noting concerns about worker protections.
0:40:44 1 min 43 sec
Q&A
Gennaro questions administration on license suspensions and revocations
Councilmember Gennaro asks whether any carriage driver licenses have been suspended or revoked. Ortiz says not in recent years; Menin notes a suspension did occur when she was DCWP commissioner.
0:42:27 3 min 24 sec
Q&A
Gennaro presses administration for enforcement data supporting ban
Gennaro presses the administration for enforcement data and facts supporting the ban, noting their testimony lacked specific violation counts. Ortiz gives a general response about regulatory efforts; Gennaro expresses frustration at the lack of specifics.
0:45:52 2 min 30 sec
Q&A
Menin questions agencies on fatal incident and worker protections
Speaker Menin questions both agencies about the fatal June incident where the driver left the horse unattended, asks about worker protection provisions, and how many workers would be affected. Ortiz confirms 208 licensed drivers, ~170 active.
0:48:22 1 min 47 sec
Q&A
Menin questions on phase-out timeline and worker transition plans
Menin asks about the phase-out timeline, administration plans for worker support, and whether specific worker protection language is being recommended. Ortiz says the administration is open to discussing timeline and will provide language.
0:50:08 1 min 30 sec
Q&A
Schulman questions on horse, stable, and license numbers
Schulman asks for current numbers of horses, stables, carriage licenses, and drivers. Schiff reports just under 160 licensed horses and three stables. Ortiz confirms 68 carriage owner licenses and 208 driver licenses.
0:51:38 2 min 42 sec
Q&A
Schulman questions on horse removals and stable violations
Schulman asks about horses removed from service for medical concerns, stable violation counts, and inspection staff. Schiff says six inspectors work on this among other duties and promises to provide violation data.
0:54:20 2 min 54 sec
Q&A
Schulman questions on weather-related suspensions and heat monitoring
Schulman asks about weather-related suspensions under Local Law 203. Schiff reports 102 suspensions in three years, with 28 in 2025 and 19 in Jan-June 2026, and notes NYPD handles on-site enforcement.
0:57:14 2 min 46 sec
Q&A
Schulman questions on driver training course content and inherent risks
Schulman asks about driver training on spooking responses, course curriculum development, and whether DOHMH believes inherent risks exist that training cannot address. Schiff describes the course components; Ortiz notes inherent urban challenges.
1:00:00 2 min 12 sec
Q&A
Schulman questions on curriculum development and safety protocol updates
Schulman asks about curriculum development experts, protocol updates after the fatal incident, and whether the course covers the prohibition on leaving horses unattended. Schiff confirms it does and describes outreach efforts.
1:02:12 2 min 18 sec
Q&A
Schulman questions on course enrollment and language access
Schulman asks about course enrollment numbers, language access gaps, and course fees. Schiff reports 18 people took the course in 2025, it's English-only, and costs $25. Staffing constraints have limited course offerings.
1:04:30 1 min 44 sec
Q&A
Schulman questions on horse sanctuary transition planning
Schulman asks whether DOHMH is prepared to coordinate horse transitions to sanctuaries. Schiff says the department is still reviewing the bill's requirements and would work with the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare.
1:06:14 2 min 13 sec
Q&A
Schulman questions on multi-agency coordination and advisory board
Schulman asks about multi-agency coordination, the Rental Horse Advisory Board, and whether it has met or made recommendations. Schiff says the board has not delivered recommendations in many years.
1:08:27 2 min 15 sec
Q&A
Schulman questions DCWP on owner license values and transferability
Schulman questions Ortiz on carriage owner licenses: 68 active, transferable, averaging $70,000 in value, with a 59-day grace period for renewal after expiration.
1:10:42 3 min 1 sec
Q&A
Marte questions DOHMH on independent vet inspection pilot program
Marte asks about the independent veterinarian inspection process. Schiff describes a late-2025 pilot program where one vet responded to a solicitation and examined 12 horses, with some limitations due to the stable environment.
1:13:43 44 sec
Q&A
Marte questions administration on shorter phase-out timeline
Marte asks whether the administration would support a shorter phase-out period if worker protections are included. Ortiz says the administration is open to discussing it but would need to review the bill in totality.
1:14:27 2 min 10 sec
Q&A
Epstein questions on staff capacity and worker transitions
Epstein asks what percentage of time six health inspectors spend on horse issues (estimated one FTE), and questions Ortiz on worker transition plans. Ortiz says conversations are ongoing with labor partners.
1:16:37 2 min 13 sec
Q&A
Won questions on horse transition and sanctuary oversight
Won, who lives near the stables, asks about the horse transition process, sanctuary follow-up, and long-term welfare monitoring. Schiff says the department is still reviewing; Ortiz notes the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare has received sanctuary outreach.
1:18:50 3 min 35 sec
Q&A
Morano questions administration on regulatory limits and inherent risks
Morano asks at what point a regulator must acknowledge inherent risk remains despite regulation. Schiff says that's why they're here today. Morano then asks if the health department would approve a new horse carriage industry if proposed today.
1:22:24 3 min 13 sec
Q&A
Narcisse questions on horse rehoming and worker transition specifics
Narcisse asks about horse rehoming plans, financial responsibility, stable hand transition eligibility, and whether workforce development is a real pipeline or just resume workshops. Schiff and Ortiz respond on bill provisions and worker inclusion.
1:25:37 3 min 3 sec
Q&A
Brewer questions on inter-agency communication and other cities' programs
Brewer asks how DOHMH and NYPD communicate on enforcement, and whether the administration has studied other cities' worker transition programs. Ortiz describes a joint task force; neither agency has studied other cities' programs yet.
1:28:40 1 min 3 sec
Q&A
Brewer questions on pedicabs as alternative and electric cars
Brewer raises pedicabs as a tourism alternative and asks the administration's position. Ortiz says DCWP is ready to engage on pedicab reforms. Brewer also confirms no one is discussing electric cars as a replacement.
1:29:43 3 min 38 sec
Q&A
Hanif questions DOHMH on oversight authority and violation counts
Hanif asks about DOHMH's oversight authority limits, standardized fitness criteria, vet check frequency, and violation counts. Schiff provides 17 summonses for missing medical exams and 12 for missing furlough records from 2023-April 2026.
1:33:21 3 min 28 sec
Q&A
Wong questions on Executive Order 56 and horse death inspections
Wong asks about Mayor Adams' Executive Order 56 on worker transition, whether any workers were contacted, and about horse deaths (Ryder, Denise) and pre-death inspections. Ortiz says the first deputy mayor's office led the effort; Schiff addresses Denise's toxic plant ingestion.
1:36:49 3 min 19 sec
Q&A
Ariola questions DOHMH on contracted veterinarian identities and oversight
Ariola asks for the names of contracted equine veterinarians, raising concerns about vets with disciplinary histories. Schiff declines to provide names for privacy reasons but clarifies that owners' own vets certify horses, not DOHMH vets.
1:40:08 4 min 36 sec
Q&A
De La Rosa questions administration on banning other tourism industries
De La Rosa asks whether the administration would also support banning helicopters and pedicabs given tourism-related deaths. Ortiz says they're not prepared to discuss those industries today but is open to conversations.
1:44:44 3 min 55 sec
Q&A
Feliz questions on worker employment details and horse incidents
Feliz asks about worker count, seasonal nature of employment, average salary, and whether city agencies could absorb displaced workers. Ortiz doesn't have salary data. Schiff notes the administrative code doesn't require reporting of medical incidents.
1:48:39 14 min 41 sec
Procedure
Chair announces five-minute break
Schulman announces a five-minute break before resuming with public testimony.
2:03:20 5 min 9 sec
Public Testimony
State Senator Bottcher testifies in support of ban
State Senator Eric Bottcher testifies about representing Hell's Kitchen where stables are located, describes horses navigating midtown traffic, references horse deaths in his district, and urges passage while protecting workers.
2:08:29 4 min 11 sec
Public Testimony
Assemblymember Rosenthal testifies in support of ban
Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal testifies about her decade-long efforts to ban carriages, lists names of dead horses, cites over 100 documented injury incidents, and urges passage of Romanch's Law.
2:12:40 2 min 20 sec
Public Testimony
Ashley Byrne (PETA) testifies in support of ban
Ashley Byrne from PETA testifies that the industry is cruel and reckless, cites oversight failures, names dead horses including Ryder, Lady, and Denise, and urges passage of the ban.
2:14:59 2 min 29 sec
Public Testimony
Edie Falco testifies in support of ban
Actress and animal advocate Edie Falco testifies that animals are not ours to use, expresses horror at carriage conditions, and says naming the law for Romanch is the greatest honor of her lifetime.
2:17:29 2 min 26 sec
Public Testimony
Former Councilmember Holden testifies, blames obstruction for Romanch's death
Former Councilmember Bob Holden, original author of the legislation, testifies that his bill would have banned carriages on June 1, 2026—16 days before Romanch died—and blames four years of obstruction by former Speaker Adrienne Adams.
2:19:55 3 min 24 sec
Public Testimony
Edita Birnkrant (NYCLASS) testifies, shares stable owner's call for exit
Edita Birnkrant of NYCLASS testifies, sharing a statement from Anita McGill of Chateau Stables that some current carriage owners want out of the business, and argues hitching posts are dangerous and encourage drivers to walk away.
2:23:19 1 min 30 sec
Q&A
Wong questions Holden on workforce provisions
Wong questions Holden about the workforce provisions he authored. Holden says most drivers are independent contractors without benefits and questions TWU's representation of management.
2:24:49 3 min 12 sec
Q&A
Gennaro questions PETA on toxic plants in Central Park
Gennaro questions PETA's Ashley Byrne about whether the organization addressed toxic Japanese yew plants in Central Park after Denise's death. Byrne says horses shouldn't have been in the park to eat the plants. Gennaro says he filed a bill request about toxic plants.
2:28:01 2 min 12 sec
Q&A
Hanif questions Falco on horse welfare vs. worker concerns
Hanif asks Falco how she responds to people who believe supporting horse welfare and carriage drivers are mutually exclusive. Falco says things change and workers need to move on, but she's here for the horses who can't speak.
2:30:13 1 min 19 sec
Q&A
Brewer questions Birnkrant on owners wanting to exit industry
Brewer asks Birnkrant about the stable owners who want out. Birnkrant says they're desperate to leave, afraid of another spooking incident, and want compensation. Brewer notes the stables sit on valuable real estate.
2:31:33 4 min 8 sec
Q&A
Feliz questions on worker pay and unattended horse incidents
Feliz asks about worker pay (~$60,000/year, seasonal, no benefits as independent contractors) and how often horses are left unattended. Birnkrant says it happens daily and presents video taken the day before showing a driver stepping away with a baby in the carriage.
2:35:41 4 min 30 sec
Q&A
Marte questions Birnkrant on unattended horse documentation
Marte asks Birnkrant about documentation of unattended horses. She describes finding about 10 unattended horses in a brief park visit, says drivers take photos for tips as part of their business model, and has hours of footage.
2:40:11 4 min 38 sec
Public Testimony
BP Hoylman-Sigal presents carriage incident data analysis
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal presents data analysis showing 96 serious carriage incidents and 40 horse deaths since 1982, with incident rates quadrupling. A Columbia University forecast model predicts 16-30 more incidents by 2030 without action.
2:44:48 3 min 10 sec
Public Testimony
Erica Sullivan reads Assemblymember Glick's testimony supporting ban
Erica Sullivan reads testimony from Assemblymember Deborah Glick strongly supporting the ban, comparing carriages to circuses the city has already outlawed, and calling for an end to the debate.
2:47:58 3 min 29 sec
Public Testimony
John Chiarello (TWU Local 100 President) testifies opposing ban
John Chiarello, President of TWU Local 100, testifies representing 44,000 union members including carriage drivers, gives condolences to the Mahajan family, compares carriage safety favorably to other transportation, and asks the council to table the bill.
2:51:27 3 min 37 sec
Public Testimony
Conor McHugh (carriage driver/owner) testifies opposing ban
Conor McHugh, a carriage driver for 40 years and medallion owner, testifies about the industry's history, claims advocates have harassed drivers and caused incidents, blames Central Park Conservancy for planting toxic yews, and urges the council to drop the bill.
2:55:05 4 min 18 sec
Public Testimony
Christina Hansen (TWU shop steward) testifies opposing ban
Christina Hansen, TWU shop steward and carriage driver for 20 years, testifies about the industry's long history, safety record, and her personal bond with her horse Sherman. She questions what job the city would give her and asks about working with police horses.
2:59:23 3 min 4 sec
Public Testimony
Dr. Gabriel Cook (equine surgeon) testifies opposing ban
Dr. Gabriel Cook, a board-certified equine surgeon providing medical care to carriage horses, testifies the horses are not abused or neglected, warns that displaced horses will end up in slaughterhouses, and calls the bill a death sentence for many horses.
3:02:26 1 min 40 sec
Public Testimony
Angel (carriage driver) testifies opposing ban
Angel, a carriage driver, testifies about his love for his horses and his work, denies mistreatment, and pleads to keep his livelihood and his horses.
3:04:06 3 min 31 sec
Public Testimony
Cherise DeBose (TWU Political Director) testifies opposing ban
Cherise DeBose, Political Director for TWU Local 100, criticizes the legislative process, says council members signed on before hearing from workers, raises Fifth Amendment property concerns, and questions sanctuary funding and horse placement plans.
3:07:37 3 min 14 sec
Q&A
Menin questions TWU on driver salary, benefits, and training
Menin questions Chiarello on average driver salary ($65,000-$70,000), benefits (dental and optical only, no medical), and the union's position on testing after the fatal incident. She commits to sitting with workers on additional language.
3:10:52 6 min 42 sec
Q&A
Gennaro questions Dr. Cook on sanctuary capacity and death sentence claim
Gennaro calls the hearing a kangaroo court, criticizes the Speaker's pre-announcement, and questions Dr. Cook about sanctuary capacity. Cook says sanctuaries are underfunded and calls the bill a death sentence for horses, estimating costs even higher than $15,000-$25,000 per horse per year.
3:17:34 7 min
Q&A
Marte questions TWU on worker classification and union membership
Marte states for the record that his office reached out to TWU before introducing the bill but no meeting was scheduled. He questions whether drivers are W-2 or 1099 workers, who pays union dues, and how many dues-paying members exist. Hansen explains both classifications exist.
3:24:34 4 min 18 sec
Q&A
Epstein questions TWU on CBA and benefits, defends stable visit
Epstein responds to criticism from Dr. Cook about his stable visit, defends his right to disagree, and questions whether there's a collective bargaining agreement (none) and medical insurance (none beyond dental/optical). He expresses concern about the adversarial approach.
3:28:52 2 min 42 sec
Q&A
Wong questions TWU on workforce training provisions
Wong asks about workforce training provisions and notes this is the first hearing on the bill. Chiarello says he hasn't seen workforce development details and questions what jobs drivers would transition to.
3:31:34 4 min 37 sec
Q&A
Hanif questions drivers and Dr. Cook on horse health protocols
Hanif asks drivers about the process when a horse is sick or injured and who decides if it continues working. Hansen says drivers know their horses and call Dr. Cook. Dr. Cook describes the protocol but acknowledges no standardized process exists.
3:36:11 1 min 57 sec
Q&A
Brewer questions carriage owners on transition circumstances
Brewer asks what circumstances would help members if the ban happens. McHugh says they're not interested in selling their land and want to continue providing carriage rides, disputing the real estate narrative.
3:38:08 5 min 23 sec
Q&A
Wilson questions drivers on spooking and unattended horse procedures
Wilson asks about procedures when horses are left for photographs and how often horses spook. Hansen says the law requires horses to be attended or tethered, spooking is very rare, and the cause of Romanch's incident is still under investigation.
3:43:31 4 min 35 sec
Public Testimony
Dr. Craig Kulikowski testifies on independent vet exam findings
Dr. Craig Kulikowski, an equine veterinarian with 30 years of experience, testifies remotely about his 2025 DOHMH-commissioned examinations where owners refused blood testing and lameness evaluations, and found old scars, insufficient dental care, and lameness visible at a walk.
3:48:06 2 min 22 sec
Public Testimony
David Saltonstall (Central Park Conservancy) testifies supporting ban
David Saltonstall of the Central Park Conservancy testifies in support of the ban, citing eight incidents in 13 months, 68% public support, and arguing horse carriages are incompatible with a modern crowded park.
3:50:28 1 min 52 sec
Public Testimony
Dr. Natalie Juras (equine vet) testifies on biological risks
Dr. Natalie Juras, an equine veterinarian, testifies that horses' innate flight response cannot be eliminated through training, and that NYC's dense traffic and noise create inherently challenging conditions for horses.
3:52:19 2 min 43 sec
Public Testimony
Curtis Sliwa testifies supporting ban
Curtis Sliwa testifies as an animal welfare activist, comparing the ban to other cities worldwide, criticizing TWU's influence, and calling for electric carriages as replacements.
3:55:02 2 min 43 sec
Public Testimony
Danielle testifies about witnessing horse incidents firsthand
Danielle, a NYC resident, testifies about witnessing two horse incidents firsthand—a spooked horse nearly trampling her and the collapse and death of Denise—and says you cannot regulate instinct.
3:57:45 2 min 6 sec
Public Testimony
Laura Spielman (equine specialist) testifies on horse biology and rescue experience
Laura Spielman, founder of the Coalition for Responsible Carriage Horse Retirement and certified equine specialist, testifies about horse biology making them unsuitable for city work and her experience successfully placing 160 horses in rescue operations.
3:59:51 2 min 2 sec
Q&A
Schulman questions Conservancy on carriage-related costs
Schulman questions the Conservancy on costs related to horse carriage wear and tear (~$500,000 for Cherry Hill asphalt), sanitation (none spent on horse waste), and whether banning carriages would affect visitor numbers (no).
4:01:53 4 min 39 sec
Q&A
Gennaro questions Conservancy on toxic yew plants
Gennaro questions the Conservancy's Roger Mosier about planting toxic Japanese yew plants throughout Central Park. Mosier says yews are original to the park and ubiquitous. Gennaro criticizes both Conservancy witnesses for lacking horse knowledge.
4:06:32 2 min 51 sec
Public Testimony
Alexander Kemp (TWU) testifies opposing ban
Alexander Kemp, Administrative VP of TWU Local 100, testifies that the tragedy is being weaponized to eliminate an industry, compares it to other transportation safety issues, and argues one incident shouldn't end a 160-year industry.
4:09:23 5 min 30 sec
Public Testimony
John Samuelson's statement read, followed by TWU member testimony opposing ban
A TWU member reads a statement from International President John Samuelson calling the hearing political, criticizing Councilmember Marte's comments, and arguing the bill strips workers of jobs with no real compensation. The member then gives his own testimony opposing the ban.
4:14:52 2 min 18 sec
Public Testimony
Joshua Sarsfield (carriage driver) testifies opposing ban
Joshua Sarsfield, a carriage driver, testifies that animal rights advocates' goal is extinction of all domestic animals, criticizes billionaire backers of the ban, and argues horses love pulling and get the best life of any horse in America.
4:17:11 2 min 22 sec
Public Testimony
Mindy Pless (horsewoman) testifies opposing ban
Mindy Pless, a native New Yorker and horsewoman now living on a Virginia farm, testifies about her childhood carriage ride inspiring her career, argues the park's carriage paths were designed for horses, and warns PETA's agenda extends to all equine disciplines.
4:19:32 2 min 22 sec
Public Testimony
Dave Cook (carriage driver since 1982) testifies on real estate motivations
Dave Cook, a carriage driver since 1982, testifies about the real estate motivations behind the ban, pointing to boarded-up buildings near the stables and Hudson Yards development as evidence of a land grab.
4:21:54 2 min 10 sec
Public Testimony
Alexis Lawson (carriage driver) testifies opposing ban
Alexis Lawson, a Queens native and carriage driver since 2021, testifies about her bond with her horse Midnight, who helped her through her mother's death, and argues animal welfare and animal rights are different topics.
4:24:04 7 min 26 sec
Q&A
Gennaro questions TWU on strategy for alternative reform bill
Gennaro calls the hearing a pageant, criticizes the Speaker's pre-announcement, and asks TWU what mechanisms they'll bring to fight for a hearing on his alternative reform bill. Kemp says truth and facts are their best weapons.
4:31:30 2 min 12 sec
Public Testimony
Brian Shapiro (Humane World for Animals) testifies supporting ban
Brian Shapiro of Humane World for Animals testifies about records revealing DOHMH and DCWP don't effectively share data linking horses to carriages and drivers, and says rescue organizations stand ready to help prevent any horse going to slaughter.
4:33:41 2 min 3 sec
Public Testimony
Dr. Joanna Grossman (Animal Welfare Institute) testifies supporting ban
Dr. Joanna Grossman of the Animal Welfare Institute testifies about heading the Homeless Horses Coalition of 500+ rescues, supports the ban, and lists welfare concerns including exhaust, noise, traffic, long hours, and lack of pasture access.
4:35:45 2 min 13 sec
Public Testimony
Wayne Pacelle (Animal Wellness Action) testifies supporting ban
Wayne Pacelle of Animal Wellness Action testifies comparing the ban to historical shifts away from whaling, cockfighting, and dogfighting, calling it a balanced approach with worker transition support.
4:37:58 2 min 14 sec
Public Testimony
Kathleen Schatzman (Animal Legal Defense Fund) testifies supporting ban
Kathleen Schatzman of the Animal Legal Defense Fund testifies about a 2014 FOIA lawsuit revealing dozens of hit-and-runs and injuries, commits to contributing transport costs for horses, and calls the ban a public safety issue.
4:40:12 2 min 9 sec
Public Testimony
Mia Nosumi (Voters for Animal Rights) testifies supporting ban
Mia Nosumi of Voters for Animal Rights testifies representing 100,000+ NYC voters, cites consistent polling showing two-thirds majority support for a ban, and lists decades of horse deaths from various causes.
4:42:21 2 min 6 sec
Public Testimony
Bill Ketzer (ASPCA) testifies supporting ban
Bill Ketzer of the ASPCA testifies about the organization's 160-year history protecting horses, calling the industry inherently dangerous and inhumane, and citing eight incidents in 13 months as evidence regulation cannot eliminate risks.
4:44:27 33 sec
Q&A
Schulman questions ASPCA on stable inspection violations
Schulman asks how many violations ASPCA identified during stable inspections. Ketzer says ASPCA no longer does humane law enforcement, having transferred that role to NYPD via MOU in 2014.
4:45:00 2 min 32 sec
Q&A
Gennaro criticizes ASPCA testimony as opinion-based
Gennaro criticizes ASPCA for not addressing toxic plants in Central Park and for providing opinion rather than facts. Schulman intervenes, noting witnesses are allowed to testify on their organizational positions.
4:47:32 25 min 37 sec
Procedure
Chair announces 15-minute break
Schulman announces a 15-minute break before the next panel.
5:13:09 5 min 48 sec
Public Testimony
Ahmed Bilici (Turkish carriage driver) testifies with translator
Ahmed Bilici, a Turkish immigrant and carriage driver/owner since 2003, testifies through a translator about his American dream, his investment in the business, and his love for his horses as family members.
5:18:58 3 min 29 sec
Public Testimony
Cornelius Byrne (carriage owner) testifies on hitching posts and stray voltage theory
Cornelius Byrne testifies about the need for hitching posts, argues the fatal accident would not have happened with proper infrastructure, and speculates that stray voltage from underground wiring at Cherry Hill may have caused the horse to bolt.
5:22:26 2 min 30 sec
Public Testimony
Tarek (carriage driver) testifies about his bond with horses
Tarek, a carriage driver and nephew of Denise's owner, testifies about leaving a software career for his passion working with horses, describes Denise as his teacher, and fears losing all his horses.
5:24:57 2 min 40 sec
Public Testimony
Natalia Kovanova (carriage driver) reads daughter's letter opposing ban
Natalia Kovanova, a carriage driver for 10+ years, reads a letter from her daughter about the carriage community being quintessential New Yorkers, and argues for preserving the industry through reform rather than elimination.
5:27:36 3 min 45 sec
Public Testimony
John Quadrosi Jr. testifies opposing ban, calls for regulation
John Quadrosi Jr. testifies opposing the ban, arguing the industry is misunderstood by non-horse people, that horse blinders prevent spooking, and that government should regulate rather than eliminate through infrastructure like hitching posts and water troughs.
5:31:21 2 min 40 sec
Public Testimony
Nurettin Kurbik (Denise's owner) testifies on threats and licensing issues
Nurettin Kurbik, owner of the horse Denise who died, testifies about receiving threats from animal activists, describes Denise's sudden death in two minutes, and complains about the difficulty of getting a horse driver license, noting the exam is only in English.
5:34:01 4 min 37 sec
Q&A
Gennaro addresses language access and hitching posts with carriage drivers
Gennaro notes the driver exam is only in English despite drivers speaking multiple languages, asks staff to investigate, thanks Kurbik for his industry leadership, and emphasizes the need for hitching posts.
5:38:38 3 min 56 sec
Public Testimony
Former Councilmember Freed testifies supporting ban after 35 years of reform attempts
Catherine Freed, former City Council member who sponsored the original carriage horse bill 35 years ago, testifies that the industry was given chances to reform but hasn't, and 35 years is long enough to get it right.
5:42:34 2 min 22 sec
Public Testimony
Eleanor Malbegot (Humane Society of NY) testifies supporting ban
Eleanor Malbegot, legal counsel for the Humane Society of NY, testifies about drafting the 1981 rental horse law, noting that even after passage, four horses dropped dead in summer heat, and that reforms have not worked.
5:44:56 1 min 42 sec
Public Testimony
Kyle Paseka delivers poem from horse's perspective
Kyle Paseka delivers a spoken-word poem from the perspective of horses, describing their exploitation, fear, and desire for freedom.
5:46:38 2 min 25 sec
Public Testimony
Michael Petrelli (horse trainer) testifies supporting ban
Michael Petrelli, horse trainer and founder of Equine Advocacy Alliance, testifies about documenting unattended horses, including two the day before, and argues the risk outweighs tradition.
5:49:03 9 min
Public Testimony
Janet White (Philadelphia advocate) testifies supporting ban
Janet White, founder of Carriage Horse Freedom in Philadelphia, testifies about Philadelphia's ban and shares a statement from Philadelphia Councilmember Mark Squilla encouraging NYC to pass the ban.
5:58:02 2 min 8 sec
Public Testimony
Leti Gomez Coelho (carriage driver/vet) testifies opposing ban
Leti Gomez Coelho, a veterinarian from Ecuador and carriage driver for two years, testifies about the excellent care horses receive, proposes a stable with pastures inside Central Park, and argues against the ban.
6:00:10 3 min 37 sec
Public Testimony
Carolina Roberts (animal rights advocate) testifies supporting ban
Carolina Roberts, an actress and animal rights advocate from Mexico City, testifies about documenting carriage horses in Central Park, witnessing their poor conditions, and experiencing harassment from a carriage driver for advocating.
6:03:48 2 min 15 sec
Public Testimony
Helen David (pedicab driver) testifies supporting ban
Helen David, a pedicab driver for 23 years, testifies about witnessing the industry from inside the stables, says some carriage drivers were former pedicab drivers who could return, and disputes the claim that Denise died from a poisonous plant rather than exhaustion.
6:06:03 2 min 4 sec
Public Testimony
Dr. Jim Keene (veterinarian) testifies supporting ban
Dr. Jim Keene, a veterinarian with 38 years of experience, testifies about evaluating the carriage industry firsthand, concluding horses should be phased out, and referencing Dr. Kulikowski's findings of musculoskeletal injuries and dental disease.
6:08:07 2 min 7 sec
Public Testimony
Susan Wagner (Equine Advocates) testifies on disappeared horses
Susan Wagner, president of Equine Advocates, testifies about her sanctuary's three former NYC carriage horses, all broken down and crippled, and documents 529 horses disappearing from city rolls over 7.5 years, presumed dead or slaughtered.
6:10:14 2 min 48 sec
Public Testimony
Mel Sobolewski (emergency responder) testifies on flight response and hitching post dangers
Mel Sobolewski, a large animal emergency responder, testifies that no reform can make the industry safe because the risk is a horse's involuntary flight response, and argues hitching posts add new layers of danger.
6:13:01 2 min 25 sec
Public Testimony
Allison Bolling (Red Feather Sanctuary) testifies on coalition readiness
Allison Bolling of Red Feather Equine Sanctuary testifies about a coalition of 30+ sanctuaries prepared to accept carriage horses, with attorneys developing lifelong placement agreements, and notes a horse was allegedly sold through a slaughter auction just last week.
6:15:26 2 min 1 sec
Public Testimony
Jamie Baldanza (documentarian) testifies on spooking experience
Jamie Baldanza, documentarian and sanctuary founder, testifies about her personal experience being thrown from a spooked horse in NYC, describes trigger stacking, and criticizes Councilmember Gennaro's lack of equine behavior knowledge.
6:17:27 2 min 10 sec
Public Testimony
Marty Irby (champion equestrian) testifies supporting ban
Marty Irby, an eight-time world champion equestrian, testifies about horses' flight instincts, notes the military no longer uses horses, and asks why a major city should use them for entertainment.
6:19:38 3 min 29 sec
Q&A
Hanif questions sanctuary representatives on capacity
Hanif asks sanctuary representatives about capacity concerns raised by the industry. Bolling acknowledges finite capacity but notes the coalition represents three dozen sanctuaries nationwide and describes their enrichment programs.
6:23:07 3 min 50 sec
Public Testimony
Clara Bright testifies opposing ban, supports reform bill
Clara Bright testifies opposing the ban and supporting Intro 937, arguing horse carriages are part of Central Park's original design, that relocation doesn't guarantee better care, and that improvement comes through better standards not bans.
6:26:56 2 min 13 sec
Public Testimony
Abdurahim Sanginov (carriage owner's nephew) testifies opposing ban
Abdurahim Sanginov, nephew of a carriage owner, testifies about his uncle funding his Rutgers education through the carriage business, describes families and children who love the horses, and asks the council to oppose the bill.
6:29:09 4 min 59 sec
Public Testimony
Francesco Ricobono (carriage owner) testifies opposing ban
Francesco Ricobono, whose family has been in the industry since 1979, owns 13 horses and three carriages, testifies about spending $40,000/year per horse on care, offers condolences to the Mahajan family, and asks the council to oppose the ban and work together on reforms.
6:34:08 1 min 39 sec
Public Testimony
Giovanni Vallone (carriage owner) testifies opposing ban
Giovanni Vallone, second-generation carriage owner, testifies about his 37 years in the business, his father's 65 years, and organizing a Columbus Day parade with Sicilian carts. He asks the council not to end their business.
6:35:47 6 min 31 sec
Public Testimony
Natalie Ricobono (carriage owner's spouse) testifies opposing ban
Natalie Ricobono, spouse of a carriage owner, testifies about her husband's dedication, his non-profit association for safety improvements, and asks the council not to put her family on the streets.
6:42:18 3 min 7 sec
Public Testimony
Paola Gaviño (Tamerlan Sanctuary) testifies supporting ban
Paola Gaviño, board member of Tamerlan Sanctuary and Hispanic immigrant, testifies in Spanish and English that immigrant workers deserve better, safer jobs with protections, and that we don't have to choose between protecting animals or workers.
6:45:25 2 min 47 sec
Public Testimony
April Lang (animal advocate) testifies supporting ban
April Lang, NYC resident and animal advocate, testifies that horses were necessary before the 20th century but no longer are, that regulations aren't followed, and that not all traditions deserve to continue.
6:48:12 1 min 47 sec
Public Testimony
Sam Moon (Catskill Animal Sanctuary) testifies supporting ban
Sam Moon, executive director of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, testifies about what horses need to thrive—space, predictable surroundings, natural behaviors—and that NYC streets cannot provide these conditions.
6:49:59 3 min 22 sec
Public Testimony
John DiLeonardo (Humane Long Island) testifies on vet's disciplinary history
John DiLeonardo of Humane Long Island testifies about the industry's refusal of independent vet exams, and reveals that Dr. Camillo Sierra, the industry's vet, has been sanctioned seven times by the NY State Gaming Commission for falsified health certificates and fraud.
6:53:21 2 min 43 sec
Public Testimony
Nicole Grievey testifies opposing ban, cites real estate motivations
Nicole Grievey, a NYC resident and former horse owner, testifies opposing the ban, arguing real estate interests are behind it, that equine experts have found horses well cared for, and that the industry gives unwanted horses a chance at life.
6:56:03 4 min 19 sec
Public Testimony
Leonor Quadrosi (equine studies student) testifies opposing ban
Leonor Quadrosi, an equine studies student, testifies opposing the ban, arguing carriage work is biomechanically easier than riding, the industry is heavily regulated, and the bill could lead to discontinuation of working horse breeds.
7:00:22 2 min 11 sec
Public Testimony
Drew McCormick (Animal Defenders International) testifies supporting ban
Drew McCormick of Animal Defenders International testifies supporting the ban, citing the horse named Ryder who died from exhaustion, and arguing electric carriages could replace horses.
7:02:33 1 min 57 sec
Public Testimony
Nicolene von Fink (equestrian) testifies on traumatized horses
Nicolene von Fink, a lifelong equestrian, testifies about seeing a carriage collapse onto a horse's legs and hearing the horse scream, and describes another horse with slack ears in a trauma response from sustained distress.
7:04:30 3 min 9 sec
Public Testimony
Deborah Thomas (animal advocate) testifies supporting ban
Deborah Thomas, a 20-year animal advocate, testifies that 19th century carriages don't belong in 21st century traffic, that no amount of hitching posts or training will stop spooking, and that it's cruel to force horses to work in extreme weather.
7:07:39 2 min 48 sec
Public Testimony
Eva Yusef-Salaam (equine-assisted psychotherapist) testifies supporting ban
Eva Yusef-Salaam, an equine-assisted psychotherapist with 40 years of experience, testifies about horses' sensory adaptations for detecting danger, and that Manhattan's constant bombardment creates inherent safety risks no training can eliminate.
7:10:27 2 min 22 sec
Public Testimony
Maddie (animal welfare advocate) testifies supporting ban
Maddie, an architect and animal welfare advocate, testifies that traditions evolve, compares horse carriages to obsolete practices, and argues the city has better jobs with benefits that can absorb displaced workers.
7:12:49 2 min 8 sec
Public Testimony
Patrick Norton (UWS resident) testifies supporting ban
Patrick Norton, a long-term Upper West Side resident, testifies about routinely seeing horses in extreme weather, left unattended, and having close calls with runners and bikes, warning another tragedy is inevitable without the ban.
7:14:57 2 min 21 sec
Public Testimony
Donnie Moss (documentary filmmaker) testifies supporting ban
Donnie Moss, documentary filmmaker of 'Blinders,' testifies that the city knew this would happen, that advocates warned for 20 years a child would die, and asks what the council will do to protect people before the law takes effect.
7:17:18 2 min 47 sec
Public Testimony
Kathy Nizzari (Lights Out Coalition) testifies supporting ban
Kathy Nizzari of Lights Out Coalition testifies supporting the ban, compares industry displacement to her own family's taxi medallion loss, notes the MTA is hiring with strong wages, and urges passage without delay.
7:20:05 25 min 17 sec
Public Testimony
Laura Leopardo (Brooklyn resident) testifies supporting ban
Laura Leopardo, a Brooklyn resident who grew up in Chicago, testifies supporting the ban, citing Chicago's elimination of carriages, and listing numerous documented accidents including runaway horses, collisions, and passenger injuries.
7:45:22 1 min 28 sec
Public Testimony
Rosemary Espinal testifies supporting ban, holds past council responsible
Rosemary Espinal testifies that a government failing to protect vulnerable beings including horses is not effective, and tells council members who previously voted to keep carriages that they bear responsibility for Romanch's death.
7:46:49 2 min 53 sec
Public Testimony
Nicole Rivard (Friends of Animals) testifies supporting ban with buyout fund proposal
Nicole Rivard of Friends of Animals testifies supporting the ban, proposes adding language for a fund to buy out horses from willing owners, and questions how the industry can claim retirement is safe now but a death sentence if the bill passes.
7:49:43 2 min 44 sec
Public Testimony
Marilyn Galfin (Voices for Shelter Animals) testifies supporting ban
Marilyn Galfin of Voices for Shelter Animals testifies supporting the ban, citing eight incidents in 13 months, majority public support, and arguing tradition is not an excuse for an outdated, inhumane industry.
7:52:27 1 min 41 sec
Public Testimony
Kathleen Reb (SPCA International) testifies supporting ban
Kathleen Reb of SPCA International testifies supporting the ban, citing recent tragedies including Denise's death and Romanch's killing, and noting Philadelphia's recent vote to end carriage rides.
7:54:08 2 min 7 sec
Public Testimony
Diane Petruzzelli (SPCA volunteer) testifies supporting ban
Diane Petruzzelli, a former SPCA volunteer, testifies about horses being forced to pull tourists through the busiest city in the world, asks council members to imagine if this were their own pet, and urges passage.
7:56:15 2 min 49 sec
Public Testimony
Delmar Leon (Canine Rescue NYC) testifies with incident timeline
Delmar Leon of Canine Rescue NYC testifies supporting the ban, listing decades of specific carriage incidents from 1982 to 2016, and argues the pattern demonstrates an industry with little oversight showing neglect.
7:59:03 5 min 12 sec
Public Testimony
Fiorella Valdivia (District 5 resident) testifies supporting ban
Fiorella Valdivia, a District 5 resident near Central Park, testifies supporting the ban, shares her own experience losing a sibling, and asks council members who haven't supported the bill if they can afford to let this continue.
8:04:16 2 min 35 sec
Public Testimony
Yalda Musleon (Manhattan resident) testifies supporting ban
Yalda Musleon, a Manhattan resident, testifies about seeing depressed, malnourished horses every time she enters Central Park, cites eight incidents in 13 months as a pattern, and references LinkedIn's coaching program for transitioning workers.
8:06:51 2 min 23 sec
Public Testimony
Roxanne Delgado (Bronx resident) testifies supporting ban
Roxanne Delgado, a Bronx resident and Latina daughter of immigrants, testifies about horses being double-shifted and overworked, compares NYC to other cities that have banned carriages, and criticizes Councilmember Gennaro's behavior.
8:09:14 2 min 35 sec
Public Testimony
Donna Stein (lifelong New Yorker) testifies supporting ban
Donna Stein, a lifelong New Yorker, testifies about 20 years of advocacy, cites 128 accidents since 1982 and 29 work-related horse deaths, and argues hitching posts invite disaster by inviting drivers to leave horses.
8:11:49 1 min 34 sec
Public Testimony
Nellie Mackay testifies supporting ban
Nellie Mackay, a longtime animal rights activist, testifies briefly in support of the ban, urging retirement of horses to sanctuaries.
8:13:24 2 min 10 sec
Public Testimony
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies supporting ban, calls it 'great land grab'
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies supporting the ban, calling it a 'great land grab' that saves lives, criticizing TWU as corrupt, and arguing the union fears losing members to other unions if drivers transition to other industries.
8:15:34 3 min 2 sec
Public Testimony
Raul Rivera (TLC driver advocate) testifies opposing ban as land grab
Raul Rivera, a TLC driver advocate, testifies opposing the ban, calling it a real estate land grab by developers, criticizing Speaker Menin's husband as a real estate developer, and arguing the council weaponizes safety against working people.
8:18:36 1 min 28 sec
Public Testimony
Caitlin Gamble (UWS resident) testifies remotely supporting ban
Caitlin Gamble, an Upper West Side resident, testifies remotely about seeing horses working in 90+ degree heat and calling it a quality of life issue for residents who must witness animal cruelty.
8:20:04 2 min 7 sec
Public Testimony
Clara Tavakoli-Gosha testifies remotely supporting ban
Clara Tavakoli-Gosha, a multi-species ethicist with a Harvard master's, testifies remotely that lack of oversight is devastating, that no one truly enjoys the carriage experience, and proposes museum-like immersive historical experiences as cruelty-free alternatives.
8:22:11 2 min 8 sec
Public Testimony
Victoria Moran (author) testifies remotely supporting ban
Victoria Moran, a 76-year-old New Yorker and author, testifies remotely about decades of advocacy since the 1970s, losing a 16-year-old stepson herself, and urges the council to prevent more carnage.
8:24:19 2 min 50 sec
Public Testimony
Una Rose (Toronto activist) testifies remotely supporting ban
Una Rose, an animal rights activist from Toronto, testifies remotely about boycotting NYC for 15 years until carriages are banned, proposes electric carriages as replacements, and references ASPCA founder Henry Bergh's legacy.
8:27:10 3 min 23 sec
Public Testimony
Sherry Ramsey (NYC Bar Association) testifies remotely supporting ban
Sherry Ramsey, co-chair of the NYC Bar Association Animal Cruelty Committee, testifies remotely about 20 years of urging a ban, citing a 2007 Comptroller audit finding inadequate protections, and arguing no legislation can make the city safe for horses.
8:30:33 3 min 27 sec
Public Testimony
Pauline Burns (NY State Horse Council) testifies remotely, abstains on bill
Pauline Burns, president of the NY State Horse Council, testifies remotely that the organization is abstaining on Intro 943, recommends considering Intro 937 instead, and seeks clarification on horse disposition language.
8:34:00 2 min 51 sec
Public Testimony
Nora Marino (attorney) testifies remotely supporting ban
Nora Marino, an attorney specializing in animal rights litigation, testifies remotely that the carriage industry is entertainment not transportation, that no industry has received government coddling like this bill offers, and that most bolting incidents occur with the driver present.
8:36:52 2 min 38 sec
Public Testimony
Nina Marie Perino testifies remotely supporting ban
Nina Marie Perino testifies remotely from Florida about signing petitions for years, every mayor promising to ban carriages, and compares the horses' lack of autonomy to being in a concrete prison.
8:39:30 2 min 31 sec
Public Testimony
Nathan Semmel testifies remotely on need for courage to act
Nathan Semmel, a District 7 resident, testifies remotely about texting with Majority Leader Abreu who said 'took me some time' on this issue, and warns that 'took me some time' will never be an acceptable response in the future.
8:42:01 2 min 28 sec
Public Testimony
Nancy DeJesus (80-year-old New Yorker) testifies remotely supporting ban
Nancy DeJesus, an 80-year-old Manhattan resident, testifies remotely supporting the ban, citing 60% polling support, listing dead horses, and arguing the bill protects both horses and workers through transition programs.
8:44:29 2 min 46 sec
Public Testimony
Monica Sharma testifies remotely supporting ban
Monica Sharma testifies remotely supporting the ban, arguing human life cannot be compared to horse life but all lives matter, and that if your livelihood causes someone's death, change it.
8:47:14 2 min 25 sec
Public Testimony
Melissa Pellicera (One Kind World) testifies remotely supporting ban
Melissa Pellicera of One Kind World Foundation testifies remotely supporting the ban, arguing horses' freedom has been stolen, that longevity doesn't confer moral legitimacy, and that human alternatives exist.
8:49:40 2 min 37 sec
Public Testimony
Jennifer Garrett (attorney/sanctuary board member) testifies remotely supporting ban
Jennifer Garrett, an attorney and Catskill Animal Sanctuary board member, testifies remotely that the industry is beyond regulation, the ban needs to happen faster, and thanks the council for its courage.
8:52:17 2 min 40 sec
Public Testimony
Faith Rashid testifies remotely on hippotherapy as retirement option
Faith Rashid, a lifelong New Yorker with background in occupational therapy, testifies remotely about hippotherapy as a potential retirement path for carriage horses and urges passage of the ban.
8:54:57 2 min 50 sec
Public Testimony
Emily Harding (former Clydesdale farm worker) testifies remotely supporting ban
Emily Harding, who worked at a Clydesdale farm, testifies remotely about preparing horses for parades through desensitization, and contrasts that with NYC carriage horses being abused, kept in tenement-like stalls, and forced to work in brutal conditions.
8:57:46 2 min 43 sec
Public Testimony
Dr. Lauren Lindner (psychologist/sanctuary owner) testifies remotely supporting ban
Dr. Lauren Lindner, a clinical psychologist and sanctuary owner, testifies remotely about the cost of sanctuary care (~$6,100/year per horse), her willingness to take carriage horses, and her childhood trauma from seeing horses in Central Park.
9:00:29 2 min 48 sec
Public Testimony
Cindy Anthony Favia testifies remotely supporting ban
Cindy Anthony Favia testifies remotely about her two children being animal rights activists since ages 7 and 9, her daughter questioning why horses are in the city, and 10+ years of protesting carriage horses.
9:03:17 2 min 28 sec
Public Testimony
Allison Soule (UWS resident) testifies remotely on horse pipeline and turnover
Allison Soule, an Upper West Side resident, testifies remotely about witnessing malnourished, lame horses with drivers staring at phones, the Amish country pipeline, and over 500 horses leaving the registry in eight years with no verification of retirement.
9:05:46 3 min 6 sec
Public Testimony
Audra Gibson (former Charleston carriage worker) testifies remotely opposing ban
Audra Gibson, who worked in Charleston's carriage industry for 4.5 years, testifies remotely opposing the ban, describing rigorous horse care protocols including temperature monitoring between tours, and arguing the industry can be regulated for safety.
9:08:52 1 min 34 sec
Public Testimony
D. Shroff (union member) testifies remotely supporting ban
D. Shroff, a union member, testifies remotely supporting the ban, arguing horses can't consent or call in sick, that 70% of New Yorkers support the ban, and criticizing TWU's comparison of horses to subway conductors.
9:10:26 3 min 17 sec
Public Testimony
Elaine Curie (retired international rider) testifies remotely supporting ban
Elaine Curie, a retired international rider with 70 years of horse experience, testifies remotely that horses eat poisonous plants when hungry, that NYC carriage horses are already arthritic and used before arriving, and that horses only lie down when they feel safe.
9:13:43 5 min 47 sec
Public Testimony
Marietta Hoare testifies remotely with comprehensive incident list
Marietta Hoare testifies remotely listing 25+ specific carriage horse incidents from 2015 to 2026, including deaths, collapses, collisions, and spooking events, arguing this is not occasional but a pattern.
9:19:30 4 min 40 sec
Public Testimony
Daniel Chapuis testifies remotely opposing ban, threatens lawsuit
Daniel Chapuis, son of a Swiss farmer, testifies remotely opposing the ban, sharing family history with horses, threatening to sue the mayor and council for $25 billion, and arguing tourists deserve real horses not electric vehicles.
9:24:10 1 min 54 sec
Procedure
Chair Schulman closes the hearing
Chair Schulman closes the hearing, noting written testimony can be submitted within 72 hours, thanking council members, staff, and Speaker Menin for her leadership through the long day of testimony.