Things finally fall into place now that New York City reached a deal to keep the horse-drawn carriage industry alive. In addition, there will be new park-in stables built in Central Park. However, there is a catch -- the number of licensed horses will be reduced.
According to ABC News, it was last Sunday that New York City officials announced about the deal. Mayor Bill de Blasio had a joint statement along with City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito as well as the Teamsters union and he said, "We are pleased to have reached an agreement in concept on the future of New York's horse carriage industry."
The mayor also said in his statement, "We look forward to working together on the final details of this legislation and getting this passed."
Daily Mail said that the agreement came after Mayor de Blasio made a promise two years ago to abolish the rides. Carriage rides are one of the main tourist highlights in the city. This is very popular to couples as well as in movies but then, other people call it inhumane.
It has been reported that the deal made will also reduced the number of licensed horses from about 180 to only 95. This will happen once the permanent home for the horses are built on Central Park by Oct. 1, 2018. Aside from that, the agreement made will also limit the operations for horse-drawn carriage. But with an exemption that they will only be allowed to travel to and from their existing stables to Central Park starting June 1.
Reportedly, as soon as the stables are completed, all operations will only be allowed inside the Central Park. Officials said that this will ensure enough space for 68 carriages and 75 horses. It was also stated that starting Dec. 1 the number of hours per day a carriage to operate will only be limited to 9 hours in any 24-hour period. Carriages will also be allowed to make an extra charge of $5 for trips after 6 p.m. between Nov. 15 and Jan. 5. This is also applicable on Valentine's Day and Easter.
Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that yesterday Nyclass said that the mayor's deal was promising. However, it was not "far enough" and that they still demand for further protections for the animals. As the group said, "We will settle for nothing less."
