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Public Testimony

Patrick Norton (UWS resident) testifies supporting ban

New York City Council · Jul 15, 2026 · starts 7:12:49 · 2 min 8 sec

Patrick Norton, a long-term Upper West Side resident, testifies about routinely seeing horses in extreme weather, left unattended, and having close calls with runners and bikes, warning another tragedy is inevitable without the ban.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

Yes.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

Hello, my name is Patrick Norton, and I'm a long-term resident of the Upper West Side.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

I live next to the 72nd Street entrance, where I walk my dog every day, and I'm here to testify about what I've seen all too many times over the past decade.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

I've seen horses out when it's over 90 degrees, horses when it's below freezing, horses left unattended, horses going up and down 72nd Street, horses going up and down Central Park West, including the incredibly busy intersection.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

I've also seen runners and bikers almost crashing into horses, as well as dogs barking and lunging at the horses.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

Sometimes these dogs are even off-leash.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

And the horses are understandably startled.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

I've also witnessed too many close calls where the horses and carriages lose control.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

And if this madness continues, it's only a matter of time until there's another rider or another remanche.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

You have the opportunity to end this.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

You have the opportunity to prevent future cruelty, injury, and death.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

Please vote yes on Romant's Law.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

Otherwise, the next tragedy, the next death, the next time blood is spilt, that blood will be on your hands.

Lynn C. Schulman

Thank you so much.

Lynn C. Schulman

Thank you to this panel.

Lynn C. Schulman

Really appreciate it.

Member of the Public - Patrick Norton

Thank you.

Lynn C. Schulman

Okay, next panel.

Lynn C. Schulman

Kathy Nazari.

Lynn C. Schulman

Here, not here.

Lynn C. Schulman

Okay.

Lynn C. Schulman

Danny or Donnie Morris?

Lynn C. Schulman

Donnie, right?

Lynn C. Schulman

Donnie Morris.

Lynn C. Schulman

I know he won.

Lynn C. Schulman

Um.

Lynn C. Schulman

Ris.

Lynn C. Schulman

American Museum of Natural History.

Lynn C. Schulman

I can't read the name.

Lynn C. Schulman

No?

Lynn C. Schulman

Okay.

Lynn C. Schulman

Laura Leopardo.

Lynn C. Schulman

Paisley Anna Bailey.