PETA, NYCLASS Confront Tourists Over Valentine's Day Carriage Rides

Demonstrators Wear Their Hearts on Their Sleeves Over Cruel Horse-Drawn Carriage Industry

For Immediate Release:
February 13, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382 

New York - Passions will flare in Central Park on Valentine's Day, but it won't be a love connection when members of PETA and New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets (NYCLASS) hold a spirited protest against the city's cruel and dangerous horse-drawn carriage industry on what is one of its busiest days of the year. Hoisting aloft signs that read, "Cruelty to Horses Is Heartbreaking," park protesters will call on tourists not to take the rides, explaining that forcing old horses to pull heavy loads through the streets deprives them of any semblance of a life and places the safety of both the horses and passengers at risk.

Where:  At the intersection of W. 59^th Street and Sixth Avenue, New York City

When:   Thursday, February 14 (Valentine's Day), 12 noon

"Horse-drawn carriages are a cruel throwback to a century ago, and this idea, like the horses, deserves to be put out to pasture," says PETA Senior Vice President Dan Mathews. "Valentine's Day is about love, but all these animals have ever known is abuse and suffering."

Horses are forced to pull heavy loads in all weather extremes and inhale exhaust fumes. When they're not working, the horses are warehoused in tiny, filthy stalls. Accidents that cause injuries and even death—to horses and tourists—are a regular occurrence. Glee star Lea Michele narrates PETA's behind-the-scenes exposé of New York's horse-drawn carriage industry.

For more information, please visit PETA.org and NYCLASS.org.