Hearing on Horse-Drawn Carriages in NYC: Full Opening Statements

Two bills affecting New York City's horse-drawn carriage industry were the topic of a crowded public hearing in January 2009. Intro. 658-A, sponsored by Council Member Tony Avella, is a measure that would ban outright the industry that has been deemed dangerous and inhumane by the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States. An industry bill (Intro. 653-A) would reward this cash-only industry (even though blatant overcharging is well documented) and remove oversight from the ASPCA, setting the stage for even less accountability for this politically entrenched industry and ensuring even poorer care for the horses. In opening statements, Leroy Comrie--chairman of the council's Consumer Affairs Committee--introduces those in attendance: James Gennaro, G. Oliver Koppell, and Charles Barron; John Liu made a brief appearance later and didn't contribute much. Tony Avella, as sponsor of Intro. 658-A, invoked the little-used "Sponsor's Privilege" rule to force the hearing, which packed City Hall chambers with people on both sides of these issues; the hearing lasted for about 7 hours. Watch CM Avella introduce the issues, speaking here about the humane and job concerns as well as public safety risks from having horse-drawn carriages in some of the country's worst traffic. It is worth noting, also, that the Bar Association of the City of New York supports a full ban on the industry, and opposes the industry bill, saying it will only make things worse for the horses.
See also: Testimony of Lori Barrett, Esq. at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBWnPfBCttk

Ms. Barrett testified on behalf of the 23,000-member bar association and committee on legal issues pertaining to animals. After she spoke, a very rude James Gennaro tried to marginalize her comments--and he failed spectacularly.
VIDEO BY ANTHONY SPEZIALE

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• horse-drawn carriage
• carriage horse
• Intro. 658-A
• Intro. 658A
• Intro. 653-A
• Intro. 653A
• Tony Avella
• Leroy Comrie
• James Gennaro
• Charles Barron
• John Liu
• G. Oliver Koppell
• Lori Barrett
• ASPCA
• HSUS