In a major win for animal rights advocates, after more than 150 years, New York City leaders have agreed to end horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. The mayor and the City Council speaker have backed a ban that would phase the carriages out by June 2028, and the full Council is scheduled to vote on October 22. It is a huge win for animal rights and horse-lovers, and proof that a tradition once seen as untouchable can finally end. Lets use this momentum.
Sign the petition urging the Charleston City Council and Mayor Cogswell to follow New York's lead and phase out horse-drawn carriage tours, with a fair transition plan for workers.
New York just proved that even the most beloved carriage tradition can end, and Charleston's horses should not have to wait another day.
Horse-drawn carriages have been part of Charleston since its earliest days, but times change. Chicago and Philadelphia have already banned carriage rides. This summer, the editorial board of a local newspaper called on the Council to do the same, and neighbors have rallied downtown asking the city to phase the industry out. Advocates say horses pulling heavy loads of tourists through crowded streets and over hot pavement should be a thing of the past.
Charleston does not have to choose between its history and its horses. Advocates have proposed electric carriages, which let visitors enjoy the same historic streets without putting an animal in traffic.
New York's bill requires a plan to help carriage workers move into new jobs, and Charleston can do the same by working with local hospitality employers so drivers and caretakers stay part of the city's tourism economy.
Sign the petition and tell Charleston's leaders to end horse-drawn carriages and make Charleston next.
