FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 21, 2011
CONTACT: Katie Franger (212) 239-7323
[email protected]

****PRESS RELEASE****

NYCLASS RALLIES TO CELEBRATE 55,000 SIGNATURES

New York, NY -- Today, at 2pm on the steps of City Hall, actress and humanitarian Kathy Najimy rallied with NYCLASS Executive Director Carly Knudson, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and dozens of supporters to announce the significant increase in support for legislation that aims to transition the horse-drawn carriage industry into "Horseless Carriages". With 55,000 signatures and counting, the petition calls for the City Council to pass Intro 86A to safely phase out the horses and introduce electric-powered vintage replica cars.

In February 2011, NYCLASS started their petition drive to gather support for legislation that would transform the carriage horse industry into one that safely retires all New York City horses to sanctuaries and farms. In the first month alone, the petition gained 30,000 signatures. In the last eight months, the petition has amassed over fifty-five thousand signatures. This support comes through grassroots organizing, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, volunteer street petitioning, Tell-A-Friend campaigns, and word of mouth.

Strong partnerships with the ASPCA, The Humane Society of the United States, PETA, Mayor's Alliance, and Animal Haven have also been critical in gaining broad-based support for the campaign.

"New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world. But I am saddened every day that its streets are filled with abused beautiful horses, dragging passengers and heavy carriages all day and night throughout this busy big city,' explained actress Kathy Najimy. "They are forced to trudge along in extreme weather, and heavy, chaotic, loud traffic. It is dangerous for the horses, dangerous to those who are paying big bucks to be pulled, dangerous to those visiting this great city and dangerous for all the cars, cabs, drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Last week two of these gorgeous creatures just collapsed on the street in the middle of busy traffic. If you are lucky enough to live here or if you are here exploring and enjoying one of the most exciting cities in the world, please join me and the over 55,000 dedicated supporters to abolish unsafe, horse drawn carriages and stand behind NYCLASS and the legislation needed to buoy this great humane effort. Let's help keep New York fantastic, safe and cruelty free."

Executive Director Carly Knudson added, "Today is an exciting day for NYCLASS, it is an opportunity for us to show New York City that we are 55,000 strong and only getting stronger. The time for this essential change is now and we will not stop until the horses are safe and the industry is transformed."

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio stood with supporters announcing, "This is a movement with broad and growing support. I am proud to stand with NYCLASS today to celebrate this milestone, and to join the 55,000 people who have taken action to protect horses in New York City. New Yorkers are rallying behind a real alternative that preserves industry jobs and tourism."

"The inhumane and dangerous horse-drawn carriage industry has no place in our modern cities," says Patrick Kwan, New York state director for The Humane Society of the United States. "Fortunately, we now have a viable alternative. "The new eco-friendly cars will give tourists a neat way to move around the city, preserve the jobs of the carriage horse drivers, and give horses a break."

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.

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