Carolina Roberts (animal rights advocate) testifies supporting ban

Thank you so much.

Good afternoon, Chair and members of the Council.

My name is Carolina Roberts, also known as Rocky in the animal rights community.

I'm an actress and I'm an animal rights advocate and I traveled here from Mexico City because I believe these horses deserve a voice and should not suffer for human entertainment.

For years, I have documented New York City's carriage horses while speaking up for many other animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Like the bulls in Mexico who are victims of the bullfighting.

New York has always led by example.

Humane alternatives already exist.

We don't need horse-drawn carriages to welcome visitors.

I also recognize that the men and women who work in this industry deserve respect.

This is not about punishing workers.

It's about creating a safer, more humane future for both horses and people through a transition of modern alternatives.

I have spent countless hours in Central Park observing these horses, photographing them and filming them, speaking with tourists and witnessing this industry firsthand.

I have stood beside New York City's carriage horses.

I have seen them standing for hours on hard pavement, surrounded by traffic, noise, heat, and crowds, breathing exhaust fumes while pulling heavy carriages.

These horses never chose this life.

Ramanj Mahajan should still be alive.

His tragic death reminds us that this industry not only endangers horses, but put human lives at risk.

I have also experienced harassment while peacefully advocating for these horses.

My friends and I

have been physically confronted by a violent carriage man who left his horse unattended, simply for expressing concern for their welfare.

Today, you have the opportunity to protect these horses and help move New York toward a safer, more compassionate future.

I respectfully ask you to pass Romancia's law and bring an end to horse-drawn carriages in New York City.

And please send these horses to a sanctuary where they belong.

Muchisimas gracias.

Thank you so much.

To this panel, you're dismissed.

The next panel is Helen David, Mary Irby.

Herbie.

Allison Bowling.

Jim Keene, Mel Solowski, Susan Wagner.

Jamie Baldanza.

Can you also fill out a slip, please?

Okay.

He can join the panel when he gets here.

I'm sorry, can you fill out another one?

Okay, thank you.

You may begin and identify yourself for the record, whoever wants to begin.