Nancy DeJesus (80-year-old New Yorker) testifies remotely supporting ban

Nancy DeJesus.

You may begin.

Nancy DeJesus.

I'm here.

I was trying to unmute.

Sorry.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak.

That's okay.

My name is Nancy DeJesus, and I am an 80-year-old New Yorker who currently lives in Manhattan, and I'm here to support Intro 943, Romanticist Law.

Tales of old have romanticized the role of horse and carriage in battles, love stories, and adventures.

While these images are reflected upon with a nostalgic wistfulness, they do not reflect the reality of our present lives.

We are in a modern world with different challenges, dangers, and an evolved sense and understanding of what safety for all creatures looks like today.

This is evidenced in polls such as one taken just this month by the Central Park Conservancy, which reported that 60% of New Yorkers support a ban on horse carriages.

It's also reflected in the numerous and unavoidable tragedies that have occurred year after year.

Horses like Ryder and Denise have lived lives of endless brutality.

They're only respite to retire to a concrete soul with minimal ventilation and no room to move.

And they are gone.

And just last month, an 18-year-old visitor to our city, Romach, died during a family vacation on a carriage ride trying to save his mother when the horse carriage then became frightened as a direct result of the dangers and realities.

of our present time, honking horns, relentless traffic, and concrete paths.

And folks will rightfully ask what will happen to the drivers.

The provisions in Intro 943 not only ensure safety for the horses and transition out of this cruel and outdated practice, but will also utilize and oversee a workforce development program that will assist these drivers to securely transition to other employment.

Horses will no longer be victimized and used to create a false sense of nostalgia in our city.

No more innocent lives will be lost and drivers will not lose their jobs.

Please, endless, don't let the loss of a young man's life and so many horses be without consequence.

Those who seek to romanticize this practice can find it in the works of literature from long ago where it should remain.

I implore the members of the City Council to vote in favor of Romach's law and take direct action to prevent additional suffering and loss of life.

Please be compassionate and do the right thing.

Time expired.

Thank you very much.

All right, next is Monica Sharma.