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.
Hello, my name is Drew McCormick.
Okay.
May I proceed?
Yeah, please.
Thank you.
Hello, my name is Drew McCormick.
I represent Animal Defenders International and our New York City supporters to urge you to please pass Bill 0943 to phase out horse-drawn carriages.
This bill was renamed Ramanche after he was killed while trying to save his mother, who was stuck in a carriage pulled by a horse who had become spooked.
We all are all very incredibly sorry for this family's loss.
We hope that this bill can prevent such tragic losses from ever happening again.
Subjecting horses to the intense working conditions of pulling carriages in the city has proven to be a serious public safety issue.
Mistreating animals causes unacceptable pain, fear, and distress to the animals, which also increases the risk of them panicking and trying to escape, which poses a risk to the public as well as to the animals themselves.
These horses are forced to work even if they are exhausted, fearful, and when their bodies need rest.
That is why this bill was previously named Rider's Law to honor one of the many horses who
lapsed and died from exhaustion from pulling carriages in the city.
The horses work in extreme heat, breathe the exhaust fumes, and navigate traffic that terrifies them and me, risking injuries to both horses and people.
Recent accidents have proven the danger is real.
This is not a tradition worth preserving.
It is cruelty to animals and a public risk.
That we can end today.
This bill previously died in this committee due to concerns about eliminating jobs for the drivers.
Although the drivers deserve to make a living, this should not be at the expense of the horses or at the risk of the public.
Furthermore, this bill does not immediately ban horse-drawn carriages and therefore provides more time for drivers to find alternative employment.
For example, the electronic carriage business could replace horses.
We heard comments earlier how these people could work in the government and in agencies.
Therefore, we urge you to pass this bill and ban horse-drawn carriages in the city.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Next, identify yourself and then give your testimony.
Sorry.