Jennifer Garrett (attorney/sanctuary board member) testifies remotely supporting ban

Hi, my name is Jennifer Garrett.

It's an honor to speak with you.

Thank you for staying so late.

I'm an attorney, a volunteer for voters for animal rights, and I serve on the board of Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, New York.

I'm testifying today in my personal capacity as a New Yorker in strong support of Intro 943, Romant's Law.

I moved to New York 16 years ago, and I've been walking past the horses in the park ever since.

Without a doubt, these horses are neglected and abused, and they are forced to work in dangerous conditions.

As we have seen, way too many have died on the street, and those that haven't, they often disappear or are sold to auction or slaughter.

We should all be embarrassed and outraged that with their one life, we have treated horses in New York City in this horrendous way for so long.

I've spent my career in law and risk management, and I wish to make the point clear that this industry is beyond regulation.

This city has issued additional regulations for decades.

The safe, responsible, necessary path forward is a wind down.

If anything, this ban needs to happen faster.

I wish to thank Speaker Menon, Chair Shulman, Councilmember Marte, the Animal Welfare Caucus, and every co-sponsor of Intro 943, including my council member, Julie-Won, for their leadership and compassion.

History will remember this council for its courage.

truly believe that.

You certainly are my heroes already.

As a premier global city, New York City, we owe it to the millions of people who come from around the world to visit and to our residents, human and animal, to put an end to this cruel, outdated, unsafe industry.

Our city is better than this.

We have a duty to prevent future tragedies, and other cities around the world will look to us to set the example.

With the passage of Romach's law, you will save lives and you will honor Romach in the strongest way possible.

We need to act now.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

I'm a big fan of V4.

Thank you.

Fiona Walsh is next.

You may begin.

Fiona Walsh.

Faith Rashid.

You may begin.