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Actress Anjelica Huston calls for ban on NYC's horse-drawn carriages

DARA KELLY,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Sunday, March 4, 2012, 9:08 AM

Updated Sunday, March 4, 2012, 9:08 AM

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Anjelica Huston

Irish American actress Anjelica Huston has written a letter to New York City Councilwoman Christine Quinn urging a ban on horse-drawn carriages.

Many of the carriage owners in Central Park are from Ireland and are battling animal rights groups to keep their job.

The 'Smash' star wrote the letter on March 1 on behalf of PETA in support of Intro 86A, legislation to gradually phase-out the carriages and replace them with environmentally-sound classic cars, reports the NY Daily News.

“It’s surprising to me,” wrote Huston, “that a city known for its progressive spirit still allows this cruel and dangerous tourist trap.

“Several accidents over the past few months highlight the immense safety hazard and lack of regulation of this industry,” the letter continued.

“At the end of 2011, within just a couple of weeks, two horses collapsed in the middle of traffic and one nearly hit several taxis on 59th Street.”

She added: “Trading in horse-drawn carriages for eco-friendly cars is a responsible way to modernize the industry while keeping that Old World New York charm and creating alternate jobs for horse-drawn carriage operators.”

The Oscar-winning star joins 'Glee' star Lea Michele and ex-'Baywatch' star Pamela Anderson in supporting the initiative.

Nster.com

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Pittsburghkid | Mar 06, 2012, 06:42 PM EST

The two horse that died were living before they died. If there are no uses for horse, then there will be no reason to bred horse. If no horse are bred, then they never have a chance at life. Which society is more civilized. First the ancient Irish, who raised children to be killed in clan fighting. Or today where children are abort, and never see the light of day. War amybe hell, but abortion is an abomination.

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sirpeter | Mar 05, 2012, 06:44 PM EST

Georgie Dil-loon.We get a lot of rain in this country.Are you sure that stench isn't from yourself? After all a fox does smell his own smell first.

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Skibberrean | Mar 05, 2012, 06:25 PM EST

Desmondo needs to grow up!

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GeorgeDillon | Mar 05, 2012, 12:47 PM EST

"The stench of horse urine is to say the least pungent during summer, at least in Dublin". You got that wrong, Ireland North, that stench is from what the Irish men (and women) leave on the street after a Saturday nite's boozing.

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CarriageHorse | Mar 05, 2012, 11:14 AM EST

Why isn't my original comment posted? All I pointed out is that Miss Huston is being used as a pawn by PETA and other radical anti-carriage organizations to help sway public opinion against the hard-working carriage owners and drivers in NYC. If they can get the horse-drawn carriages banned in NYC, their plan is to try to get driving carriages for hire band every where. These groups already have organizes anti-carriage groups down south in New Orleans, LA an Atlanta, GA. I am a livery owner and carriage driver, but not in NYC. I do, however, try to keep up with with what is going on in NYC because this issue is important to me. I also have notices some very nasty anti-Irish remarks posted on some of the sites owned by these various anti-carriage groups. THAT should also be of interest to reporters at IrishCentral. BTW, like many Americans, I have some Irish ancestors, and carriage dirving for hire has been a traditional Irish occupation in many cities.

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sirpeter | Mar 05, 2012, 10:41 AM EST

Imagine if she said ban horse-drawn carriages 200 years ago.Everyone would laugh at her.Common sense tells me the vast majority of those horses are not treated badly.But horses up and die on the street at times just like people do.Where do you stop when it comes to animal welfare? Is it natural for any animal to be in captivity? NO!!Better close all the zoos then.I won't even go into the rearing of animals and birds for food and what happens to some in the transportation of them.Fact is the more money you have the less eco-friendly a person is as well.

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IrelandNorth | Mar 05, 2012, 06:07 AM EST

There are horse drawn carriages for hire both around Saint Stephen's Green (Dublin's Central Park), and Killarney National Park in County Kerry. The stench of horse urine is to say the least pungent during summer, at least in Dublin. I'm not sure I'd miss them myself, though admittedly I think I'd prefer it to carbon monoxide poisoning. Eau du equine pise.

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faberm1 | Mar 04, 2012, 11:18 PM EST

This woman is totally ignorant. Horses are not abused when driven properly. I drive regularly and horses seem to flourish when given a task such as this. Ms. Huston.....please learn something about which you wish to opine. Your ignorance is deafening.

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mooncoin | Mar 04, 2012, 10:42 PM EST

It gets very bad when these groups pick on something different to give them something to do. I have a horse and carriage and sleigh. Our horse loves to play by pulling the carriage. When he sees the harness and us coming he is right there waiting. Just like people love their job or hobbies even if it requires working hard. It makes them feel great and looking forward to doing it again soon.

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Searlit | Mar 04, 2012, 09:29 PM EST

No Searlit didn't suggest she fly off on anything. That was a comment by someone else.

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cillowen | Mar 04, 2012, 08:23 PM EST

the witch looker who's scare any horse has been prodded by her surround sound mavens. Basis for all of our problems.

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irishpjk | Mar 04, 2012, 08:22 PM EST

That's a bad picture of Anjelica. I have walked behind horses that looked better. The sad thing is horses are working animals and get restless if you dont work them. She also misses the point that the horses not the drivers are The Old World New York Charm. The so called star just parroted what PETA wants to get out. I wish some of these people would talk to some horse experts, and then some of their concerns might make horse sense and not more of what you pick up behind the horse which is what we are getting now.

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mairint | Mar 04, 2012, 07:34 PM EST

Better still, make a lane in those streets for horse and carraige only. Stop the frenetic traffic glut. Hold on to tradition and keep the meddlers out of the city (including off council). PETA for heavens sakes - what a crew!!!

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LinLinisme | Mar 04, 2012, 07:15 PM EST

Why don't you just stay out of New York City. These horse-drawn carriages have become a wonderful part of the citylife. JUST LEAVE IT ALONE AND FLY OFF ON YOUR BROOM STICK AS SEARLIT SUGGESTED?

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Searlit | Mar 04, 2012, 03:34 PM EST

Can't they just pass new legislation to keep the horses from being over-worked. Make the drivers pay a fine, if their horse hasn't been properly treated. They could create some new jobs by hiring some vets to inspect the animals and report back to the police. I agree with pugsmom, to ban the horse carriages would be signing a death warrant for all of the horses. As far as Peta, I'm not to keen on them, after seeing their commercials that disrespect women. I love horses, though I've never ridden in one of the horse carriages in New York.

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