Contact: Michael McKeon 212-681-1380

Statement from Michael McKeon, spokesman for NYCLASS:

"NYCLASS has not heard a word in any way, shape or form from the U.S. Attorney or the Manhattan District Attorney regarding the reported investigation into the mayor’s fundraising efforts. We have absolutely no reason to believe the story is true or accurate, and it’s important to note that today’s media report doesn’t say anything specific as it relates to the government’s alleged examination of NYCLASS. We have seen this type of reporting before: Two years ago, media reports said the FBI was “looking into” NYCLASS. But in the two years since that story ran, we have heard absolutely nothing from the FBI. Zero. So NYCLASS gets dragged through the mud publicly yet again without any reason to believe the story is accurate.

Steve Nislick and Wendy Neu founded NYCLASS because they care about animals. Their only agenda is the proper treatment of abused animals in this city. It’s one they deeply believe in, and will continue to fight for. It’s as simple as that. They have made clear over and over again that they have no interest in anything else, and have stated directly they have no interest in the real estate where the horse stables are currently located. That myth has become fact in some quarters simply because it has been reported over and over again as fact, when it is a lie.

If ever contacted by the US Attorney or the DA, or anyone else in government, NYCLASS intends to answer any and all questions, and fully cooperate. But again, we have not been contacted, and have never been contacted by the FBI, US Attorney or the DA."

Our statement: "It’s an outrage that Norman Martin – in his own words – admits to abusing and torturing horses when they don’t do what he wants. We are shocked by the admissions he makes in his book, and urge authorities to monitor the horses in his care – horses that are clearly in imminent danger.” -NYCLASS

Read the full article here and here.

“Dogs are emotional beings that deserve our care and compassion. They are not merely pieces of property. This legal loophole puts this dog in immediate danger. The court should use common sense and help protect this loving companion.”

Hunting is neither an effective nor a humane solution to managing deer populations.  According to the Humane Society of the United States, killing programs are highly controversial, difficult to execute, and ineffective in the long term.  Sharp-shoots that are often proposed to reduce the number of deer in a community are expensive.  There are direct costs associated with sharp-shoot programs as well as police overtime, meat transportation and processing, and administration.  Bow hunting is ineffective and inhumane.  About half of the deer struck with an arrow are crippled, but not killed causing injury and prolonged suffering^[1].  Although hunting may reduce the deer population in the short term, it is not a sustainable method of controlling the number of deer in a community.

Hunting is ineffective because high reproductive rates in deer can easily overcompensate for a drastic population decline. As more food becomes available, their reproduction can increase (often with the birth of twins or triplets) and the population bounces back^[2].  Removal tends to have an oscillating effect.  Angel Island in California conducted a biannual cull over a 5 year period (a reduction in the deer population from 215 to 25).  The result was a rebound of 250 deer.

(New York, NY) – Animal rights advocates will gather TODAY, MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 at 5:30PM-7:30PM at the corner of 59^th Street and 5^th Avenue to remember the carriage horse named “Charlie” who dropped dead in the middle of the street four years ago today while being forced to work NYC streets. NYCLASS and its supporters will gather at the hub of this abusive industry’s activity and urge new protections for horses like Charlie.

WHO:                   NYCLASS AND ANIMAL RIGHTS ADVOCATES

WHAT:                 URGING NEW PROTECTIONS FOR CARRIAGE HORSES 

WHEN:                 MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 @ 5:30-7:30PM

WHERE:               CORNER OF 59^TH STREET AND 5^TH AVENUE, MANHATTAN

MEDIA:                 ALL MEDIA INVITED; PLEASE CONTACT JCOLLINS@MERCURYLLC.COM FOR INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER INFORMATION

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WHAT:  Dozens of NYCLASS supporters will protest the use of unsafe and inhumane horse carriages for a "fashion show" in the Clinton Park Stables. They will gather during the "horse carriage fashion show" to call for a ban on the carriages in New York City. This is the third time the carriage industry has attempted this cruel stunt as part of fashion week and following outcries against using carriage horses for a fashion show in the middle of dangerous midtown traffic, the industry was forced to change plans and host the event inside the stables rather than on Central Park South.  

WHEN: Today, Wednesday, September 9th, 2:00PM – 4:00PM                     

"The news today that a 15 year old tourist riding a bicycle in Central Park was struck by a horse carriage sadly comes as no surprise. This is a dangerous and abusive industry. It's time for Mayor de Blasio to stand by his word and end the horse carriage industry in New York City."

Bill Would Prohibit Possession, Importation, Sale and Transportation of Hunting Trophies

Animal Rights Activist to Mayor de Blasio: Keep Your Promise to End Unsafe & Abusive Horse Carriage Industry