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Q&A

Brewer questions Birnkrant on owners wanting to exit industry

New York City Council · Jul 15, 2026 · starts 2:30:13 · 1 min 19 sec

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.

Gale A. Brewer

Thank you.

Gale A. Brewer

I want to thank Klaas for that conversation that you just shared with us.

Gale A. Brewer

So my question is, because that's not something that we've heard before.

Gale A. Brewer

So my question is, do you think then at this point, what's next?

Gale A. Brewer

Do they as owners feel...

Gale A. Brewer

They could contribute to ending this carriage horse industry.

Gale A. Brewer

That was quite shocking and surprising and gleeful what you just said.

Member of the Public - Edita Birnkrant

Right.

Member of the Public - Edita Birnkrant

I think there's a lot of fear among some of these people to speak out, but I think they are desperate to get out.

Member of the Public - Edita Birnkrant

They are afraid of another horse spooking and killing someone because it's happening so often.

Member of the Public - Edita Birnkrant

And I think they want to get out of this business even before a ban goes into effect.

Member of the Public - Edita Birnkrant

And she said that...

Member of the Public - Edita Birnkrant

The several that she's speaking with, there are many more, but many are afraid to speak out for fear of retaliation or whatnot.

Member of the Public - Edita Birnkrant

So, yes, I think that there is a strong feeling that they want to get out now and they would like to be compensated, which I know is already in the legislation, but I think that there's a worry that that won't happen.

Gale A. Brewer

Okay.

Member of the Public - Edita Birnkrant

Yeah.

Gale A. Brewer

Thank you very much.

Gale A. Brewer

They do sit on very expensive real estate, so that will be helpful to them.

Member of the Public - Edita Birnkrant

Right.

Gale A. Brewer

Thank you.

Lynn C. Schulman

Okay, we have Councilmember Feliz.