Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages Holds Vigil in Memory of Horses That Died on Job

Mayor Bill de Blasio says there isn't enough support for a ban on horse-drawn carriages, but those who do support it made their voices heard Friday night.

The Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages held a candlelight vigil at Central Park South on Fifth Avenue in memory of horses that died on the job.

Advocates for the ban say the horses are treated poorly and are forced to work long hours in extreme heat and cold.

"This is a business, and as Danny Glover said some months ago, these are products. He referred to these horses as products. That's exactly what they are to them," said Elizabeth Forel of the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages.

Horse carriage drivers challenge those accusations. 

"These are the best-treated animals in the world," said Josh Sausvile, a horse carriage driver. "We love these animals. Our whole lives revolve around taking care of them."

Drivers also say banning the carriages would hurt tourism.