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.
Good afternoon, Chair and members of the Council.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of Intro 943.
My name is Dr.
Jim Keem.
I'm a veterinarian from South Dakota with 38 years of experience as a large animal vet.
I'm Director of Veterinary Science for the Center of Humane Economy.
I practiced, conducted USDA research, taught at three veterinary schools.
Four years ago, I came to New York City to evaluate the carriage industry firsthand.
I visited the stables, observed the horses at work in Central Park and on the highways.
I spoke with both drivers and opponents.
My conclusion was clear then and even clear today.
Carriage horses should be phased out in Manhattan.
As others have said, horses are prey animals whose instinctive response to perceived danger is to flee.
That instinct cannot be trained away or regulated away.
In one of the world's busiest urban environments with constant traffic, sirens, construction, crowds, heat, hard pavement, runaways, and serious accidents are not anomalies that are predictable.
Horses evolved to graze, roam on soft ground, and live socially in herds, not to pull heavy carriages throughout congested streets and spend their nights confined alone in small stalls without turnout.
In December 2025, independent equine vet Dr.
Craig Kowalski, who testified earlier today, examined more than 12 licensed carriage horses.
As he mentioned, they had multiple recurring musculoskeletal injuries, tendon and ligament disease, harness sores, and dental disease.
He concluded that several horses could not be certified fit for work because the owners refused standard trotting exams for lameness and blood work needed to detect possible pain-masking meds.
Finally, this is also a public safety issue of the tragic death of Ramanche, together with
the numerous carriage horse accidents over the years that have been mentioned today, demonstrate the risk of placing a frightened 1,000- and 2,000-pound prey animal in the middle of Manhattan traffic.
For the welfare of these horses and the safety of the public, I respectfully urge you to pass Romax Law.