Leti Gomez Coelho (carriage driver/vet) testifies opposing ban
Leti Gomez Coelho, a veterinarian from Ecuador and carriage driver for two years, testifies about the excellent care horses receive, proposes a stable with pastures inside Central Park, and argues against the ban.
Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today.
My name is Leti Gomez Coelho.
I graduated as a veterinarian in Ecuador, and for the past two years, I proudly worked as a horse carriage driver here in New York City.
Today, I'm not here to speak about my human family.
I'm here to speak for my equine family.
I heard that one proposal is to send our horses to sanctuaries, but every day I see sanctuaries asking for donations just to feed the animals they already have.
Is that really the better future for our horses?
Our horses receive excellent care.
They are examined by veterinarians twice a year, vaccinated, dewormed, received regular dental and hoof care, eat premium quality hay and grain, and enjoy fresh carrots every day.
They don't depend on charity.
They live with dignity because we work together, bringing joy to thousands of visitors while they're earning our honest living.
We know and love our horses.
If I mention Sophia, Handsome Jack, Bella, Cesar, or Blackie, every
Every carriage driver knows exactly who they are, their personality, what they are afraid of, if they prefer carrots or apples.
We know them and we love them.
I'm not saying our industry is perfect.
There is always room for improvement and we are willing to improve.
I also believe there is a better solution.
It is a personal thought.
A stable with pastures inside Central Park, it will eliminate unnecessary travel through city streets,
allow the public to see how well our horses are cared for, I'm talking about locals and visitors, preserve our jobs, and we already
pay rent in our stables.
We can keep paying rent and support the park.
So please don't let New York lose this historic tradition.
Thank you.