Time to Turn the Page on the Horse-Carriage Debate

TWU: Time to Turn the Page on the Horse-Carriage Debate New Poll: Carriage Horses and Drivers Deserve Support and Protection

** POLL: Huge Majority Wants More Expert Oversight - Not Horse-Carriage Ban**  

New York, NY - A major survey conducted by Honan Strategy Group, a leading New York City–based polling and data analytics firm, found that New Yorkers overwhelmingly oppose banning horse-carriage rides. Instead, they strongly support increasing oversight of the industry – and protecting the immigrant carriage drivers who give tours of Central Park.

The poll of 2,000 registered NYC voters shows that an overwhelming 76% support the creation of an independent panel of equine veterinarians from major universities and equine veterinary associations to evaluate the carriage horses, their care, and other industry-related aspects. Such a panel would make science-based recommendations to complement existing NYC regulations. The Transport Workers Union commissioned the poll, conducted by the Honan Group, between November 20th and November 26 th .

Just 10% of voters support a ban when they are presented with the medical-panel option and informed that 90% of carriage drivers are immigrants who rely on these tourism jobs to put food on the table and take care of their families.

“Special interest groups have been trying to ban carriage-horse rides for nearly 20 years, but the TWU is committed to protecting the horses and the carriage drivers, many of whom came to NYC for the American Dream,” TWU Local 100 Administrative Vice President Alexander Kemp said. “It’s time to look forward and work together to enhance the good care the horses now receive, address any science-based concerns, and support these blue-collar workers. They are hardworking members of our diverse communities and our neighbors.”  

“New Yorkers have strong opinions, but on this issue, they are remarkably unified,” said Bradley Honan, CEO of Honan Strategy Group. “Nearly eight in ten instead want independent veterinary experts ensuring the horses are healthy, safe, and well cared for.”  

Another important finding: 85% of New Yorkers believe the city can protect both the horses and the immigrant workers.

“This industry has nothing to hide, and extra scrutiny will assuage some people’s misapprehensions about this exemplary industry and its dedicated majority-immigrant drivers and support personnel,” Councilman Jim Gennaro said. “Assuring people is a good thing. It’s a common-sense next step.

" Gennaro wrote the comprehensive 2010 carriage industry reform bill that set numerous new requirements, including box stalls large enough for the horses to turn around and lie down, additional physical exams, and at least 5 weeks’ vacation.  

The New York City Council Health Committee in November voted down Ryder’s Law, which proposed eliminating horse-carriage rides. Committee members rejected claims by activists that the horses are mistreated and said the law would unnecessarily kill much-needed jobs in this segment of the tourism industry.