Monday, February 19, 2007
CARRIAGE DRIVERS DEFY THE LAW
From the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages www.banhdc.org
On Wednesday, February 14th, an icy, freezing rain and sleet blasted the city, making roads very difficult to travel. Beginning in early morning, the sleet got worse as the day went on. Icy slush began to pile up. Conditions were very dangerous and there were several weather related accidents. According to the law the carriages were not supposed to be out, nevertheless about six or seven were on Central Park South looking for passengers. And there were some willing takers. The ASPCA did not send the carriages back to the stables until after 1:00 PM. By that time, the horses had already been out on the street for several hours - during the worst part of the storm.
THE LAW - Chapter 4, of the New York City Health Code regarding the regulation of carriage horses in New York City defines Adverse Weather Conditions - "means any weather conditions which are hazardous to the health and safety of horse, driver, rider or public. Section 4-05 Working Conditions. b) Environment (1) Owners shall not allow a horse to be worked on a public highway, path or street during adverse weather or other conditions which are a threat to the health or safety of the horse and the public. Adverse weather conditions shall include but not be restricted to snow, ice, heavy rain or other slippery conditions. A horse being worked when such conditions develop shall be returned to the stable by the most direct route as soon as practicable. Section 4- 05 (3) During the winter months, horses stationed outdoors while awaiting riders or passengers shall be covered with blankets.
Title 17 - Health - Chapter 3 of the New York City Administrative Code; Subchapter 3 - Rental Horse Licensing and Protection law. 17-330 Regulations f. Owners shall not allow a horse to be worked on a public highway, path or street during adverse weather or other dangerous conditions which are a threat to the health or safety of the horse. A horse being worked when such conditions develop shall be immediately returned to the stable by the most direct route.
