Michael Petrelli (horse trainer) testifies supporting ban

Good afternoon, Speaker Menon, Chairperson Shulman, and the Health Committee.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.

My name is Michael Petrelli.

I'm an experienced horse trainer and the founder of Equine Advocacy Alliance.

I've spent decades working with horses, and I know firsthand the care, respect, and understanding they require.

My testimony today is based on years of experience with horses and countless hours documenting the realities of the carriage horse industry in New York City.

As a horseman, I can tell you that horses are prey animals.

They can be gentle and well-trained, but they also are instinctive.

When frightened, they react.

No law, regulation, inspection, or training program can eliminate thousands of years of instinct.

That is why horses do not belong in one of the busiest and most congested cities in the world.

I have witnessed horses working in heavy traffic, extreme weather, blaring sirens, overwhelming crowds.

I have documented horses that have collapsed, horses involved in carriages.

Most recently, just yesterday, two more horses left unattended by its driver, one taking pictures, no different than what happened to Ramanche, and another one who was holding a lead rope and

sitting in the carriage in front of him in the back seat, just kicking back and relaxing.

I've witnessed horses running loose through Central Park and city streets.

Every one of those incidents placed both the horses and the public in danger.

Now we have witnessed the unthinkable.

18-Year-old Ramach Mahajan came to New York City from India to celebrate his graduation with his family.

Instead of returning home with happy memories, he lost his life during a horse-drawn carriage ride in Central Park.

My heart goes out to him and them.

I can't put it into words.

His death is a heartbreaking reminder that this is no longer just an animal welfare issue.

It is also a public safety issue.

These are things I learned over three years documenting this horse as coming to the park as a horseman, expecting to be treated and welcomed as one.

These people are not horsemen.

We have reached the point where the risk outweighs the tradition.

We owe to the horses, to New Yorkers, and to every visitor who comes to the city expecting to return home safely.

As an experienced horseman, I know what horses need.

New York is certainly not it.

It's quite the opposite.

As an advocate, I documented what these horses endure on the streets of New York City.

I respectfully ask that you pass Ramach's law and the horse-drawn carriage industry in New York City.

The time has come to put the welfare of these horses and the safety of the public first.

Thank you.

Sir, can you repeat your name just so that we can mark you down?

Michael Petrelli.

Okay, thanks.