Written by PETA
Glee actor and PETA supporter Lea Michele is once again showing that she's got a heart to match her lovely voice by calling for an end to the "dangerous" and "scary" horse-drawn carriage industry in new video and print PSAs for PETA. Horses who are forced to pull carriages endure long workdays while exposed to extreme temperatures and dangerous traffic and are often denied adequate rest, water, and food.
Lea sat down for an interview with PETA to discuss the miserable conditions that she's seen these animals endure, and she hopes that others will join her in the campaign to shut down the horse-drawn carriage industry.
This isn't the first time that Lea has spoken out for horses—she appeared in another PETA ad against the horse-drawn carriage industry back when she was starring in Spring Awakening on Broadway and saw horses toiling at New York's Central Park. The multitalented star is also a vegan (she credits her healthy diet with giving her the energy to keep up with her bubbly Glee character, Rachel) and is a vocal opponent of fur.
Written by Michelle Sherrow
Are you people serious horses have been bred and used for riding and pulling for years and years. Do you know what happens to a horse if it does not have a job. They over eat they get fat they colick (which is very very painful) and they die.
Now I do agree that some people overdo it... and that is what needs stopped. If a horse is a carriage horse he should be loved and fed and watered adequately. He should not be pulling a carriage without a break any longer than we would ask any human to do it.
People just need to learn to be responsible animal owners. Many horses love pulling carriage or trail riding some love jumping and racing it is not cruelty to ask a horse to do something they enjoy. Is it cruel to teach a dog obedience? No would that dog listen to you or do anything you ask him to if you didnt no. The same is true of a horse they are taught to do somehting and they do it because we ask them to. But they should be loved, fed, watered, groomed etc just like any other pet.
If you know your animal you can tell if he absolutely hates something, and no he should not be forced to do something he hates.
I dont know first hand how hard the NY carriage rides are on the horses. But more concern should be of a more dangerous carriage ride; which is the way amish horses are killed on the highway by cars traveling country roads. Pounding the hard payment for the many miles they travel. I know it is their way of life. But today cars go faster than they did way back when. They will sooner or later have to catch up with the times. Hopefully it will be soon for the horses sake. I am a horse owner of many years and I do believe horses are trained and do many things that are within their realm. Let's just watch out for their well being as humanly possible.
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