May 16, 2014
By Stephanie West
New York, NY – Councilman Rory Lancman has joined the many thousands of New Yorkers that are standing up for the City's horse-drawn carriage workers. According to Councilman Lancman, the industry creates 300 jobs held primarily by immigrants and individuals without college degrees, and creates revenue for many hundreds of businesses citywide.
Councilman Lancman had the opportunity to tour the Clinton Park Stables where approximately 80 horses are housed, and was impressed with the quality of life provided for its animals. Horses at the stables are given biannual veterinary examinations, five weeks of vacation and are not allowed to work in extreme temperatures.
"The carriage horses are a fixture of our city," said Councilman Lancman. "The horses get better healthcare and more vacation days than most New Yorkers, three hundred drivers get to support their families with good middle class jobs, and tourists have yet another reason to visit and spend money in the City. That's three strikes against banning New York's iconic horse carriage industry."
