15-Year-Old Mare 'Lady' Dies While Returning to Stable
Carriage Horses Also Died in 2022 and 2011
A horse pulling a carriage in Central Park, one of New York's most famous tourist attractions, collapsed and died in the middle of the city.
According to the New York Times on the 6th (local time), at around 2:30 p.m. the previous day, a 15-year-old mare named Lady collapsed at the intersection of West 51st Street and 11th Avenue in the heart of Manhattan, New York. At the time, Lady was returning to the stable pulling an empty carriage. The horse was immediately transported to a stable in Hell's Kitchen but was pronounced dead.
On the 6th (local time), a carriage passing through Central Park in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, USA. Photo by Getty Images Yonhap News.
Lady arrived in New York in June and had been pulling carriages for six weeks. During a physical examination on June 12, no particular abnormalities were found. On the day of her death, Lady reportedly carried passengers twice in the afternoon. The cause of death has not yet been determined, but some have mentioned the possibility of an aneurysm or heart attack. The New York City Department of Health, which oversees carriage horses, is currently investigating the case, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Cornell University will be in charge of the autopsy.
Meanwhile, Lady's death is drawing renewed attention to allegations of animal abuse in New York's carriage industry, as it is similar to the death of another carriage horse, Rider, three years ago.
In August 2022, Rider collapsed from heat exhaustion near the location where Lady died. Rider was euthanized two months later, and the owner, Ian McKeever, was charged with animal abuse. After a lengthy trial, the owner was acquitted last month. In addition, in 2011, a horse named Charlie died while pulling a carriage.
On the 6th (local time), animal rights activists are protesting outside a stable in Midtown, Manhattan, New York City, USA. Photo by Getty Images Yonhap News
According to the animal rights group NYCLASS, about 200 horses pull carriages with passengers in Central Park. The fare is $72.22 (about 100,000 won) for the first 20 minutes, with an additional $28.89 (about 40,000 won) charged for every extra 10 minutes. The New York City Council is currently considering the "Ryder Law," named after the deceased horse. The Ryder Law would ban carriage operations in New York City until June 2026.
NYCLASS criticized the city, saying, "Several carriage horses have died out of public view for the same reasons," and "New York City is not protecting animals from abuse but is instead protecting animal abuse." Mara Davis, spokesperson for the New York City Council, stated, "The City Council is well aware that this is a difficult and emotionally sensitive issue," and added, "The bill (Ryder Law) is currently under review, and all stakeholders' opinions will be considered."
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