Today, at 11am on the steps of City Hall, supporters of New
Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets (NYCLASS) were joined by Executive
Director Carly Knudson, Councilmember Rosie Mendez, Tiffany Lacey, Executive Director of
Animal Haven, and representatives from Councilmembers' Sara
Gonzalez and Melissa Mark-Viverito to deliver to the Administration over 3,000
signatures calling on the Department of Transportation to investigate the
safety of the horse carriage industry. 
NYCLASS continues to lead the effort to end the inhumane practice of
this arcane New York industry.

These signatures were gathered following several traffic incidents
in the Midtown area all within a short three-week time span, leaving horses
harmed, carriage drivers injured while putting passengers and the general
public at risk.  On the evening of July
25th, a taxicab slammed into a horse carriage injuring 6 people, 1 of them
critically. The carriage landed on top of the horse causing it serious
injuries. Just 10 days earlier, a spooked horse bolted into a parked car.

The NYCLASS petition is asking for the DOT as well as the current Administration
to look into the overall safety of horse drawn carriages, and their impact of
being in the city streets. 

NYCLASS proposes the replacement of horse-drawn carriages with fully electric, vintage-replica vehicles which would provide New
York City with the ability to expand the tourist attraction in a humane capacity,
as well as draw in new revenue.

Carly Knudson, Executive Director of NYCLASS stated, "We are asking
the Department of Transportation Commissioner and the Administration to take
serious look at the safety impact the horse drawn carriages have on the city as
it relates not only to drivers and passengers, but also the people who are
walking down street, driving past carriages, and visiting our great city.  It is time to really examine whether or
not this operation is safe.  We
have rules and laws for how they are supposed to be operated, but are
constantly reminded of drivers' failure to comply.  Failing to follow these laws is putting themselves and others
at risk every day."

Councilmember Rosie Mendez joined with NYCLASS in their efforts to
request a formal investigation.  She
stated "As long as this outdated tradition exists, the quality of life and
safety of many New Yorkers will continue to be jeopardized."

"I
have long been a strong proponent that we as a City must begin to phase out the
horse carriage industry," said Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito.  "The
accidents of this summer illustrate the danger that these carriages create for
pedestrians, motorists and the drivers themselves.  We should not wait for
a more serious tragedy to happen in connection with a horse carriage before we
take action.  I add my voice to those calling upon the Department of
Transportation to conduct a thorough investigation into the safety of the horse
carriage industry."

Tiffany Lacey,
Executive Director of Animal Haven stated, "As the executive director of Animal
Haven, a shelter that finds homes for dogs and cats in the Tri-State area, an animal
lover and a New Yorker, I firmly believe that working beautiful horses in the
dangerous, loud, hot and cold streets of Manhattan is the wrong thing to
do.  New York is better than that.  We are all better than
that.  I always want to tell folks who patronize the carriages to walk or
ride a bike through the park.  It really is the best way to enjoy the
sites.  And best of all, it's good for your health and the horses!"

NYCLASS presented
the petitions to the Administration inside City Hall.  New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets is a 501(c)4 non-profit
animal welfare and advocacy organization committed to improving the quality of
life for residents and animals of the City of New York.