Protests Erupt Over Horse Carriage Industry Following Death of Lady in NYC

Protests and Demands

• 📣 Protesters gathered outside the Hell's Kitchen Horse Stable to voice their anger and sadness following the death of a carriage horse.
• 💔 The rally occurred one day after a 15-year-old carriage horse named Lady collapsed and died on 51st Street.
• ⚖️ Lady's death has reignited calls for the passage of Ryder's Law, a bill aimed at phasing out horse carriages in New York City.

Industry Response and Controversy

• 🗣️ Christina Hansen, representing carriage drivers, stated that there is no horse abuse occurring and criticized advocates for exploiting the tragedy.
• 😠 Hansen expressed that advocates lack compassion for those who knew and cared for Lady.
• 📢 Advocates responded to Hansen, with chants of "Shame on you" heard from below.

Legislative Process and Investigation

• 🏛️ Advocates have urged the chair of the New York Health Committee, Lynn Shelman, to hold a hearing on Ryder's Law, accusing her of stalling.
• 📝 Shelman released a statement acknowledging the strong opinions on both sides and confirming the bill is proceeding through the legislative process.
• 🔬 Lady's cause of death is pending a necropsy, and the city's health department is investigating the incident.
• ⚠️ This incident follows the 2022 death of Ryder, another carriage horse, whose driver was later acquitted of animal cruelty charges.