Marilyn Galfin (Voices for Shelter Animals) testifies supporting ban

Marilyn Galfin voices for shelter animals in support of Intro 943, Ramach's Law.

The tragic loss of Ramach Mahajan is a devastating reminder that the carriage horse industry is not only inhumane, but is inherently dangerous to the public.

The city can no longer look away as horses collapse and die in our streets, traumatizing and horrifying the public.

As spooked horses run wild and as drivers continue to violate laws, including operating in brutal weather conditions,

My attempts to get help to remove a carriage from the streets during a blizzard were met with total inaction, leaving me feeling completely helpless as I couldn't protect this horse.

There were eight reported horse-related incidents in 13 months, and a recent poll shows the majority of New Yorkers support a ban.

Allowing this industry, this cruel industry, to continue

is playing Russian roulette with the lives of New Yorkers, tourists, carriage horses, carriage drivers,

and would be negligent, especially in today's city's chaotic, unsafe environment.

We are way past the time for band-aids.

No amount of regulation can make this so-called iconic practice acceptable anymore.

Tradition should no longer be an excuse for an outdated, inhumane industry.

It has already been banned in so many places across the world, and it's long overdue in New York City.

These majestic horses deserve retirement and a peaceful life flourishing in sanctuaries.

Not another day in traffic living a miserable life they are forced into.

Furthermore, this bill provides a structured transition for workers, setting a modern standard for navigating change, and addressing supporting the livelihoods of the drivers.

Not every industry gets that help.

Now, while the carriage horse trade is in plain sight, I cannot ignore the fact that we have a hidden tragedy.

It's the adoptable, treatable animals being needlessly killed in our city shelters, which is long overdue and needs to be addressed.

Thank you.

Please wrap up.

I just want to finish this off.

That shelter animals have no rights and they receive lack of humane treatment.

And what's happening now is neither acceptable nor a solution.

I just ask that it's 2026, we pass from Ansh's law, and show our compassion and end this industry.

but also realize that all life is sacred and everything possible must be done by the city government to protect it, including our shelter animals.

Thank you.