Cruelty and the City

[lmarieaa]

Poor horses never get turnout, I think that's the saddest part if this. Denying this animal what it craves most.

[Suspiciousbaglady]

The horse shown @:58 is noticeably limping. I can't be the only person who sees this... WTF?

[skynat247]

Please learn before you speak. These horses are just like all the people. they need to work to live, they are in a symbionic relationship with humans. no IDIOT would overwork their horse. EVERY ONE OF THOSE DRIVERS KNOWS THIS FACT- An overworked and tired horse is a dead one, and a dead horse does NOT make money.  Therefore the drivers respect their horses, and in return for their hardrwork, the horses get a safe home, clean water, and good food.

If thats animal cruelty, i dont understand life.

[geffrod]

@skynat247 In his crazy world, if cruelty strikes with frequency of lightning striking one spot, then the whole industry is corrupt. Being raised with talking animals and other Disney creations floating around in his/her head, the mere sight of them not doing something magical or romantically prancing in luscious meadows, draws an unnatural ire from him. Man, smell that bullshit: "21 NYC horse carriage accidents that we know.." Because minor things like "axle broke" = animal abuse, right? Idiot.

[kinyaron]

the horse seems like its enjoying being given way by the trucks

[ZestyFlash]

In Vendargues in France since last december they collect the garbages with horses and they want to add more horses to water the city plants and to drive the kids to school. I think this is really going to help the horses and help the kids and everybody to learn more about horses.

[ZestyFlash]

Do we really chose to go to work? Did everybody really chose there jobs?

I get it, my horse dosen't speak so I need to be her voice and take decisions for her like I do for my kids. But my mare is an adult and she needs go to work just like me.

If we want to help the horses we should think about how we could improve the jobs that they have and to give them a bigger place in humans hearts.

(Sorry about my spelling I know it's probably wrong because I've only learned english oral.)

[ZestyFlash]

How many species are in danger because of the evoluation of the cyties? If you want to protect the horses you should start by protecting there spaces in our cyties.

I agree there is some changes that should be done to help those horses, like special lines (like we do for the bus or the bicycle) for them to avoid the trafic jams.

[MuleKist]

The exhaust is blowing right into the horses nose!

[MuleKist]

Subjecting a horse to such pollution and noise is like smoking in the car with your children. Why subject them to that? The two just dont mix...this is not the 1800s you people need to evolve.....

[vivienleigh1097]

Oh woow How crual to put a horse in just traffic??? ur all stupid and horses will never be banned in nyc why dont you get a horse and drive it in nyc and that horse has a steady trot and is doing just fine

[ZestyFlash]

If you want to protect the horse you should start by protecting theyre jobs. Dont you realise that it's theyre place in our world. If you take the job from those horses, it's just going to mean less horses in the world. Yes there is pollution but it's the same air that we are breathing.

[MuleKist]

@ZestyFlash - "We' have the free choice to leave,...get it?

[burpeemetaldrumguy]

so not cruel at all... just a horse

[MuleKist]

@burpeemetaldrumguy - "just" a horse? That is the problem with your kind of attitude...."just" a horse, an animal, so is ok to exploit and mis-use?

[superlisamcb]

Surgeons and those in the medical field save lives, they can mess up but we all mess up. Mistakes are lessons we learn, not to haunt us forever.

Go ahead and argue with me people. I am not afraid to be wrong.

[superlisamcb]

There are a lot of cruel people out there but that doesn't mean every person on earth is cruel or heartless. There is a reason for why cruel people exist, to show that nice people also exist. People can be hateful and cruel but at the same time we have done a lot of good in this world.

[spam1237]

People in traffic..how cruel

[CentralParkFan]

Pedicab rides in NYC are FREE! These smelly illegal immigrants are unlicensed and cannot force you to pay. Cops laugh at them, and will back you up. Try it I get free rides all the time!

[panthera50]

Damn, I don't live in the US, but if I did, I would be screaming all day there to take them OUT of this insane traffic !! idiots !

[ligsom]

this is madnes!

[3aw77]

Not nice at all

[Jefrma]

I just read rubeeye127´s comments and have to say this: EVERYTHING Í´ve seen and learned of humans during these 24yrs, have been disgusting and I no longer feel ANY sympathy for our kind. No matter if it´s a starving lil kid, my heart for humans has totally died. My voice will always go to animals, no matter what size the creature is.** Horses in a city is simply horrible mistake. I wouldnt even let a cat breeth the city´s air, let alone a HORSE! O_O

[ligsom]

I so agree with you!!!

[FATMIME]

This is an eye opener.They should be restricted to Central Park.

[dominicbernard]

hey ther why did u add me as a friend?

[Arexar]

I haven't been to the city in almost three years. Sure miss it, but will say you have one great mission to keep you going. Congratulations. My Dad was the first man to retire after a lifetime of service at the Memphis Zoo. He would put you on a pedestal

[SPFrobber]

"some say we're born into the grave"- Layne Staley

I don't understand a life of labor for someone else's benefit

there are more honest ways to make a living than the forced labor of animals, humans or anything that is deprived of its own free will

[rubeeye127]

I guess I don't see the cruelty. A horse drawn carriage. It was standard for hundreds of years. Instead now we use cars which pollute and use our fossil fuels. I think it's alot more cruel to destroy our mother earth.

[horsesinnyc]

But the horses feel pain and suffering as you do and how they live inhumanely in NYC is cruel. The ASPCA supports the ban and I put the link on my page. they pass out from heat exhaust and pound on hot asphalt pavement. it is very cruel

[pokeesmokee]

yes it has been used for hundreds of years, but the difference with that is that before... the horses werent competing against cars and other traffic...

Amish people still use horses to get around, but its different because they live in the country and dont force their horses to live in cruel and tight/cramped conditions...

[rubeeye127]

Ok, you're right. I see where you're coming from now. I guess I'm wondering why people put up such a fuss about horses and not humanity. I see the cruelty for the horse, but aren't we also being cruel to ourselves? Technology definately has its disadvantages!

[horsesinnyc]

I do speak up for humanity as well but with the horses it is very tragic since they have NO voice and can't speak up for themselves. Also most of us agree that humans deserve dignity and respect but a lot of people still don't agree that horses and other animals deserve dignity of life. And in regards to cars, yes it is sad that corporate America has failed us by not devoting resources into green cars decades ago

[rubeeye127]

I DO believe that domestic animals such as horses absolutely deserve quality of life. I see the cruelty in it now. Just wish people were as passionate about saving humanity as they are on issues like this. Did you know the average daily wage in Haiti is 2 cents? TWO CENTS A DAY! Americans average around $80 a day. No wonder the world hates us!

[horsesinnyc]

Yes, i understand your point but I do fight for humanity but I am only one person and I can only do so much but with the horses it is happening in my own backyard. I see it every day going to work, that is why I am involved in this issue. I can't no longer bare watching these horses and not doing or saying anything. Silence is also immoral as the act itself sometimes.

[dominicbernard]

yeh its really not right that horses have to work like this

[SallyAlbatross]

This is so terrible case!!

[l1amora]

It is 2009. Horse drawn carriages DO NOT belong in any city, especially one as forward-thinking + modern (supposedly) as NYC. This is an antiquated practice. This industry is cruel & completely unnecessary, these are FACTS that cannot be denied. Unfortunately it may take some time for carriages in NY to become obsolete, but it will happen. Unite!!

[louice]

hahah that Horse is with a lot of cars

[tomken8dy]

Horses do not belong on busy city streets.

At least people are protected inside metal vehicles and have airbags and seat belts.

And just because WE are stupid enough to burn gasoline and breathe the toxic exhaust, that's no excuse to force it on horses.

[webkinztoco2cp]

Have you ever been to macinac island? There's no cars, and they only use horse drawn carriges. It was really nice when I went there, an there was barns and stables everywhere. About the video, were you on the street recording his?

[horsesinnyc]

Yes, I was on the street on 11th avenue near one of the "stables" where they keep the horses. The horses travels miles to the hack line in this traffic. No, I never been to Macinac but perhaps I will visit it one day. I am glad the horses are treated well there. There are no barns in NYC and I don't see the horses socializing with each other.

[tayloreh]

theres no comment i could write that'll change this...

get that horse in a pasture! Or get the balls to add in another lane for horses, however 'impractical' that is.

[america4hemp]

horses not cars ! america4hemp

[puggykisses]

: ( this video is very disturbing...poor horses!!!

[clarissa6002]

Earmuffs should be required. Evening type traffic. Horses have been sharing roads w/ cars 4ever. It's like a herd to them. I'm not into cruelties, but animals are edible. Let's assimilate with animals not elect them as president.

[DianeDi]

Thank you for posting this. This horses have to say in this - if they could speak, chances are they would bolt to a lovely spot on the greens, away from humans.

[DianeDi]

I was in NYC once and saw these poor beings....I have and would not ever participate in this. It is only for human profit, because if rides were free, these gorgeous horses would be free as well.

If anyone reading this has never watched "Earthings", - youtube... please do... it's an eye opener. Animals are not ours to eat, wear, be entertained or for science.

[FreedomRiderIndianGi]

well how would someone like a strap tied to them and have to pull weight around i bet it wouldnt be any fun thanks for sharing this!!!!!!!!!!!

[horsesinnyc]

The NYC audit report on this industry confirm the suffering of the horses and these horses don't have a mandatory retirement home and are probably shipped across the borders for slaughter.

[pegasus97]

If these horses lost their jobs, they'd probably shipped off to Canada for slaughter or hauled off to be underfed or mistreated somewhere away from the public eye. They appear to have protective fleece, they're not being jerked around or beaten, nor asked to gallop through the streets. And half the horses in this country are kept stalled 24/7 except for training and show time. What's worse?

[crashinglikehc]

They shouldn't be hauled off for slaughter

They can be taken to a pasture

No one is saying that the way other horses are treated is okay

Is this the attitude you would have if you or your family was in this position? "Oh well, it could be worse"?

[ChrisNoland]

I agree it is bad for the horses. I don't agree with the way you lash out at the people who do not understand or disagree with you. It is not productive and you are not convincing them of anything political, it just becomes personal.

I welcome all petitions for this however, this city and country i in a huge mess. The cold hearted State and City governments of New York are not going to care. They need tourists to come here. They need to entertain them, they need their money. Good luck.

[horsesinnyc]

i have not lashed out on posters except for the NYC carriage drivers who have created a fews usernames to harass me. I don't understand where do you see me lashing out at people? there are 3 or 4 usernames of NYC carriage drivers who like to instigate but now I do block them since they live to divert the issues. However if you can call your city council members to support intro 658 to ban NYC horse drawn carriage. Also this city has more to offer then horse carriage rides and the city

[horsesinnyc]

also the city and the taxpayers don't make money of this cruelty, only the carriage drivers who in the other video are overcharging and not reporting the income. Also parks dept and sanitation cleans up the horse manure and the water is supplied by the city. on a economic basis alone, the city is losing money.

[ChrisNoland]

I understand that. But someone from another Country thinks central park, they think horses, mostly from movies if they've never been here. I've never called City Council, is there one for each zip code or just a general number? I'm in 10022

[nicolatwo]

For horsesinnyc: Thank you for your activism. Friend invite accepted and subscribed.

[chrispycrunchy86]

I find this disgusting... however, I wouldn't expect anything less. The human species aren't to intelligent when it comes to understanding other "lesser" species needs... WTF! U_U

[hellavadeal]

It's crule for the horse , it is also crule for the people to live in such conditions. Look how dehumanising it is to all of you. we have horses on the farm. they are our famaly . we work together. My horse gets upset when I don't come saddle up and ride. Horses do not belong in such a mess like this. They need to have open spaces.

stop the madness.

[thedrafthorse]

Do you have to work to eat?

What is wrong with YOU, that you want to destroy the sacred relationship between humans and horses?

It's called civilization. And without the horse, we wouldn't have it.

[TheMission707]

That's not right, man...

[thedrafthorse]

In NYC they eat lovely alfalfa and timothy hay to survive, and get groomed and properly shod and lots of carrots and apples.

If you think NYC fumes are so bad, why is it OK for people, dogs and police horses to breathe, but not carriage horses?

Where are these "pastures green somewhere"?

That horse is paying for HIS electric bill and hay and vet care first. Why is it so bad to support people as well? What's wrong with people and animals living together for mutual benefit?

[guardianofanimals]

The driver should be paying his own electric bill.. Let him get a bicyle hanson and peddle his own butt instead of making an animal do his dirty work.

[nicolatwo]

For thedrafthorse: I like draft horses, and they should not have to work in order to "pay their bills", as your draft horses do. Animals are not here to be our slaves!

[thedrafthorse]

Where? Where can they possibly "run free"? Do some research! These horses are far better cared for than many "country" horses. There is an epidemic in the US of people who can't afford their horses any more basically dumping their horses in a pasture to "run free" and fend for themselves. Horses (not in NYC) are STARVING because they're "running free."

[stephjuhler999]

Horses do not belong to big cities full of fast moving traffic. It is so dangerous! What if they get run over by a car? They belong in the countryside where they have enough space to run around on a green pasture. Poor horses!

[robertsd09]

Assholes they should have to pull a carriage around all day and see how they like it!!!

[faxodotcom]

man this really makes me BOIL

[thedrafthorse]

Cruelty IS cruelty. A carriage horse doing his/her job is NOT cruelty, though.

"All the groups"? All the groups that don't know anything about horses.

Check out Liam Neeson on the Daily Show a couple of nights ago. He's a horseman.

[horsesinnyc]

Liam Neeson is an individual, not a group. And a horse doesn't have a job, he doesn't get pay and doesn't even have a mandatory retirement home.

[thedrafthorse]

"It is kinder and healthier to walk or take a pedicab."

END THE SLAVERY! FREE THE PEDICAB PEDDLERS!

Seriously, it IS healthier to walk. It's not healthier or kinder or anything to take a pedicab.

What IS better for EVERYONE is if everyone in NYC would stop taking any sort of fossil-fuel based transportation except public transportation.

[horsesinnyc]

are you for real. The pedicab drivers can stop when they want, they can break when they feel tired or hungry or sick. That is not slavery and you should not make light of slavery. Then again those that abuse animals don't have compassion for people either.

[thedrafthorse]

I'm making fun of the idiots who equate human slavery with well-cared for horses doing a job. These horses are just like the pedicab drivers... they do a job to earn a living, and are in return well cared for and get vacation. It's a far better fate to be a carriage horse than the fates of many other equines in this country. Do some real research.

And learn to see past the blinders. You're the ones who need to take them off.

Have you even LOOKED at those videos I suggested you look at?

[horsesinnyc]

Cruelty is Cruelty, why do you make fun of it since it is apply to horses instead of humans. A person who abuses animals has no compassion for people as well. Pedicab drivers have voices and a choice. But the horse doesn't have a choice and is forced to work under all conditions. You don't even live in NYC. have you looked at the links and done some research. All the groups support a ban on NYC carriage horses.

[Bhukshine]

i agree with you.

and a road is not suitable for a horse to be trotting on all day.

imagine all the impact on his legs?

poor thing.

[trishajj]

It is quite clear you have taken on this issue of horses in NYC and feel very strongly about it. Must you use an attack mode with those that don't agree with you? Your comments are one-sided and again really not convincing. You need a little calming down.

[horsesinnyc]

You need a HEART, society is the way it is now because of people like you who only care for themselves and not the negative impact on others. There is no excuse for this horse abuse. To entertain lazy tourists?

[trishajj]

WHAT is so cruel?

It's just traffic.

The horses are handling the traffic just fine.

They actually provide a calming effect for the people around them. Your statistics are not convincing me and your alarmist as well as emotional statements make little sense.

[horsesinnyc]

??? horses in such traffic provide a calming effect for the people around them?? this is one of the stupidest remarks that I have read yet. Really get a heart and learn some compassionate. How many more horses and accidents must we have in NYC before you open your eyes and your HEART

[rufflesworld]

keep up the good work, i agree with you. i see you have no trouble handling the idiots that comment. (;

[horsesinnyc]

Would it be fun for you to be abused and overworked and you life endangered. Not to mention that these horses don't live a normal life and are forced to live in warehouses and tied to lamppost with no movement

[kubetriangle]

How do you know it isn't fun for the horse?

[sohosean]

What service organziation in the past year have you volunteered for that helps human beings?

If none, STFU and get a life!

[sohosean]

Humane, yes. Human, no!

Will you agree to help humans by volunteering at a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving?

[horsesinnyc]

You are nobody, I make no agreements with a sick abusive person like you. Get a heart and leave me alone. People like you is the reason why there is a need for a soup kitchen. There is no excuse for the cruelty of NYC carriage horses and stop scapegoating them for the problems of the world caused by mankind. Opposing animal cruelty is being HUMANe, something that you are not. You are a hypocrite and a small bitter old man and no church will change that.

[RadioReporter01]

So because they cut the softest parts of a girl off we should ignore the abuse of horses in NYC?

I don't follow your reasoning. They made a federal law against cutting the girls, maybe we need that for the horses.

Where that horse is I wouldn't dare ride my bike, too dangerous and I don't wear blinders

[horsesinnyc]

A horse is not a taxi, it feels pain. What is sick is the compassion and common sense people lack. this is why the world is so screw up because of people like you. Also people who exploit animals also exploit people. Lastly, why scapegoat the horse, he is innocent and not responsible for man's exploitation.

[thedrafthorse]

Yes, horses feel pain. But pulling a carriage or wearing a harness is not painful. Your point?

[horsesinnyc]

Read all the links, about the hard pavement, about the exhaust in their lungs, about the double shifting and lack of oversight confirmed by NYC Comptroller Audit Report on this industry. Read some basic facts before you attack. You are obviously self-interest in this cruel industry.

[sohosean]

What is exactly cruel here? Being in traffic? As a former NYC taxi driver, this is how people earn their living.

Humans, children and women are exploited a lot worse than this all over the world.

You guys are sick.

[hiverfolie]

While I agree that NYC is really not the place for horse drawn carriages, if you take care of your horse(s) they are more than happy to work. I am an avid animal lover. The main horses used to pull carriages and wagons are called draft horses, they are a large horse bred for hard, heavy tasks such as ploughing and farm labour. They are bred for this and have been for hundreds of years. Just as we use dogs for the blind/police. I own two percherons (type of draft) and they are well cared for!!!!!

[horsesinnyc]

thanks for your comments, yes NYC is an inhumane environment for these horses and ASPCA publicly stated after years of no avail working with this industry that a ban is needed. The NYC drivers are not required to have driver licenses or any horse experience. After passing a written test and 3 days on the job training, they are licensed as drivers. NYC audit report on this industry reflected the lack of oversight and care for these horses. I am not against horses working but not NYC. Peace

[CDLver]

Animals are not ours to use for human entertainment.

This is one of the more obscene spectacles of animal abuse. Poor horses having to pull oversized human beings about the miserable streets of that hideous city.

[exposedtruths]

wow

[androclestipster]

Is there a petition to sign. I would be there in a minute if there were. That looks like a madhouse. How do the horses be expected to tolerate that.

[askalice50]

These horses spend all day with their noses in the tailpipes of the cars in front of them, breathing in carbon monoxide among other gases, and for what? So some idiot tourists can have a ride for 20 minutes? This is animal abuse!

Toronto and Paris banned this ridiculous practice, so can NY.

[androclestipster]

Thankyou my friend for sharing this video with me.

[kathleenburns]

This is terrible, and insane, doesn't make any sense. poor horses the abuse.

[delgadorox]

Poor horses. NYC is a cruel city.

[thedrafthorse]

If it's such a cruel city, why do 8 million people live there? If it's not good for the horses, it's not good for the humans. We're all in this together.

Modern, domestic horses and people were meant to live together. I would posit that it's all those fume spewing, gas guzzling, global warming cars that don't belong! The cars should be banned, not the carriages!

[horsesinnyc]

So you want this whole city to go back to the 18th century instead of progressing. We need to end the cruelty. There is no excuse to have horses in such traffic. Horses were never meant to live in jail cell sized stalls and work in such traffic.

[thedrafthorse]

You call global warming "progress"?

P.S. Learn some history. 18th century? Heck, the 1950s would be better than now.... Back when you could get your farm fresh vegetables from a horse drawn cart, instead of from a semi-truck from California.

Horses have been living in stalls since they were domesticated. At least all the NYC horses have box stalls. I suppose you're going to go out to Westchester and picket the riding stables too?

[horsesinnyc]

I was not talking about global warming. So not only do you want these horses hauling lazy tourist in massive traffic but now you want to turn these horses into fresh direct delivery trucks. You should be ashamed of yourself, to support such cruelty. Learn some fact, even the ASPCA calls for a ban. I would defer to the humane law officers than to someone who profits directly from this trade.

[horsesinnyc]

the reason why I said 18th century was because you stated ban all cars in nyc. Cars were invented in the 19th century