Council Member Marte speaks on ending horse-drawn carriage industry
Council Member Christopher Marte, the bill's sponsor, speaks about the 160-year history of the ASPCA and the need to evolve past the horse carriage industry. He honors Romach Mahajan and argues that the city can thrive without legalized animal cruelty.
Good afternoon.
160 years ago, the ASPCA was formed right here in New York City, the first national animal welfare organization.
It was started to address one specific issue, the condition of carriage horses in New York City.
Now we are here, nearly two centuries later, to complete this mission.
Throughout these years, our city has evolved.
Milkmen no longer deliver milk to our doors.
Construction companies no longer use asbestos or sell asbestos.
Paint companies don't sell lead paint.
Pet stores can't sell dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs.
With every generation, we let go of the past and embrace the future.
Despite the changes in this industry, New York has not just survived, but thrived.
And we are a city today because we have evolved with the times, and our job as legislator is to guide New York through this evolution.
We've seen the polls.
We see the endless comments on social media.
We see the constant calls and emails we receive from our constituents.
It's beyond clear that New Yorkers are ready for us to evolve past the outdated condition of horse carriage industry in Central Park.
We can keep Central Park as a destination for millions of New Yorkers and tourists without relying on legalized animal cruelty that puts the public at risk.
As we all know, this is not a new issue.
Decade after decade, as a list of carriage accidents, dead horses, injured people pile up, elected officials made big promises.
Elections have been decided because of this.
But it's all been taught.
Despite the promises, nothing has changed, as more horses and people were harmed.
We are guilty of this as well.
Because of our inaction, Ramash Majan was killed.
It was unacceptable that it took the tragedy for us to finally pass this bill.
But this is our opportunity to make sure that Ramash's did not die in vain.
Thank you, Councilmember.
We can't, can I please have two seconds?
No, you cannot.
Councillor Marano, followed by Nurse.