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Public Testimony

D. Shroff (union member) testifies remotely supporting ban

New York City Council · Jul 15, 2026 · starts 9:08:52 · 1 min 34 sec

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.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

My name is D.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

Shroff, and I'm a part of the vast majority of New Yorkers who are sick and tired of witnessing these horses being exploited in our streets.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

And as a proud union member, I also understand how vital it is to ensure that those working in this industry are supported as they transition into other employment once horse carriages are finally phased out.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

I encourage the remaining past leaders who have put their name in support.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

To put their name in support of this bill and listen to the 70% of New Yorkers that support the end of this industry.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

Find the courage to stand up against the transit workers'union.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

And to the TWU representatives comparing horse carriage rides to other forms of transit, there is an obvious difference here.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

A subway conductor or a bus driver who isn't feeling well stays home from work until they feel better.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

A horse can't.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

They have zero consent in the matter.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

These horses are forced to work their bodies into the ground whether they like it or not.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

It's no surprise when you see them collapse and die on our streets.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

You can say you love horses all you want, but at the end of the day, the fact is you are exploiting these animals for profit.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

New Yorkers go to our city parks to escape the chaos of the big city, to clear our minds, breathe in fresh air, and surround ourselves in nature.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

And we are sick and tired of being forced to witness this cruelty in our streets and in our park.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

Enough is enough.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

And lastly,

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

To Representative Gennaro, thank you for perfectly embodying the dying death rattle of this outdated horse carriage industry today.

Member of the Public - D. Shroff

Peace to all.

Lynn C. Schulman

Thank you very much.

Lynn C. Schulman

Really appreciate the testimony.