The use of horse-drawn carriages in the city is turning out to be a big issue in New York City’s mayoral race with candidates on both sides debating over whether or not they should be banned.

For decades, horse-drawn carriages have been lined up around Central Park ready to take tourists and New Yorkers through one of the most magnificent places on Earth, Central Park.

New York, NY - Since the 1950’s, horse drawn carriages have been lined up ready to take tourists on a tour through one of the most magnificent places on earth, Central Park. What in theory looks like a wonderfully romantic experience, is in fact one of the largest instances of animal cruelty and is an old antiquated form of tourism.

The long-standing debate over Central Park carriage horses looks like it's made its way to the mayoral election: Mayoral hopeful Bill de Blasio says he'll ban carriage horses on his first day in office if elected, and his supporters have made a big ad buy blasting fellow candidate Speaker Christine Quinn for supporting the controversial practice.

As a political issue, it has legs. Four legs.

A surprising flash point — animal rights — has erupted in the early weeks of the race for New York City mayor, complete with boldface endorsers, voluble protests, and a generously financed attack ad.

Horse-drawn carriages, the type that carry first dates and tourists through Central Park, aren't exactly a common sight on Staten Island -- besides maybe for an over-the-top wedding -- but the horses pulling them have some allies in the borough.

A New York City animal-rights organization wants Christine Quinn to make like a tree and get outta here.

The imagery conjures up “The Wizard of Oz”: as smoke fills the screen, the head of a frowning Christine C. Quinn, the City Council speaker, materializes.

Days after the Times published a story about City Council Speaker Christine Quinn's loud dressings down of subordinates and perceived opponents, a group that has unsuccessfully lobbied Quinn to ban horse-drawn carriages posted a parody site called BulliesForQuinn.

A New York City animal-rights organization wants Christine Quinn to make like a tree and get outta here.