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9-07 March 29, 2015
 
 

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HORSE SENSE
Periodic updates about issues and actions concerning New York City's Carriage Horses
Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages www.banhdc.org

Horses Without Carriages International www.horseswithoutcarriages.org

PLEASE FORWARD TO FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES

NOTE: the best way to receive this newsletter is to subscribe directly. Although I post it on other lists, sometimes (for reasons unknown) they do not approve it - so you are subject to their whims. PLEASE CLICK HERE to subscribe directly. If you want to see past newsletters - CLICK HERE for our archive.

NEW ARTICLES: ON HORSE EUTHANASIA AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
Must read - you will only find it here.
On February 1, 2015, HorseSense went on hiatus. We are not really back -- still revolving some issues . If you are on Facebook, the best place to keep up with this issue is our page No Walk in the Park.

Yes we are still and always fighting the good fight and I know some of you are not on Facebook. These are two articles i recently wrote that were published by TheDodo.com. The first is another entry about the lax and lackadaisical way the City is handling the carriage trade - letting them get away with breaking the law while turning their head. The second is about Tickles, the horse who was euthanized in his stall.

CALL THE NYC CITY COUNCIL
If you want to make a difference for the carriage horses, YOU MUST CALL THE NYC CITY COUNCIL. Your participation is the only way to make a difference. Please do not stand on the side lines and expect someone else to do it. If you do not make the small effort to call your Council Member, how do you expect they will know your views? This is link to INTRO 573 - the bill to ban horse-drawn carriages.

CLICK HERE to reach the Council web site to find out who your council member is. CALL the DISTRICT OFFICE - DO NOT E-MAIL OR FAX. These methods of communication are more likely to be ignored.

  • SUGGESTED SCRIPT - YOU: Good morning, my name is [your name] and I am a constituent. I live on [your address] I support an unconditional ban on horse-drawn carriages and I would like to know if [your Council Member's name] supports Intro 573, the bill to ban horse-drawn carriages. You might also tell them it is a public safety issue and it is inhumane. You may also mention that the drivers continue to violate the laws, which are not being enforced.
  • COUNCIL OFFICE: the person who answers the phone may transfer you to someone else or suggest you call the Legislative Office or actually take the message. Confirm with them that they are keeping track of such phone calls since it is legally required that they do.
  • YOU: If they support a ban - thank them; If they are on the fence or opposed to the ban ask them why and if they would be open to receiving more information.
  • IMPORTANT: If they say they would be willing to receive some information, ask them for the e-mail address of a specific person - maybe the Chief of Staff, maybe the Legislative Aide. Do not agree to send it to their general office e-mail. You can say that you want to be sure someone receives it. Contact us for assistance with this. [email protected]
  • Note: If the Council Office is not able to give you an answer, tell them that you will follow up in a week. Tell them this is a very important issue and you would like an answer. Follow up.
  • RESULT OF PHONE CALL: Please let us know what happened - e-mail us at [email protected]

EVERYONE: this is for out-of-towners who are with us on this issue -- and for New Yorkers; those whose representatives have already signed on to the bill; and those whose representatives are opposed to a ban (you will find out who they are when you call.) Please call everyone on this list. You can spread it out over several days.

  • CALL THESE COUNCIL MEMBERS ON THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE:
  • James Vacca - 718-931-1721
  • Deborah Rose - 718-556-7370
  • David G. Greenfield - 718-853-2704
  • Antonio Reynoso - 718-963-3141
  • Daniel Garodnick - 212-818-0580
  • Jimmy Van Bramer - 718-383-9566
  • Carlos Menchaca - 718-439-9012
  • Stephen Levin 718-875-5200
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO:
  • Visit the District Office of your Council Member. Tell them that you are a constituent and want the CM to support Intro 573. Ask for a meeting. Bring a hand written letter to the Council Member - this will go a long way.
  • Call your Council Member every week if they are undecided to remind them that you would like them to support Intro 573. Don't be shy. They represent you.

PLEASE DONATE TO HELP US WIN THIS VICTORY
The Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages started this campaign in 2006 and we continue. We are an all volunteer, grass roots organization that is in it to win it. But we need your support. Our subway ad is just ending now but we want to get back to advertising in newspapers. Please donate what can.

SCREENING OF BLINDERS: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE TRADITION
April 12th - save the date.
blinders logo Please come to a screening of Blinders, sponsored by Sophie Tseng:
  • WHEN: Sunday April 12, 2015 - 12:30 to 2:00 pm
  • WHERE: Metropolitan Community Church - 446 W. 36th St. between 9th and 10th Avenues
  • GUEST SPEAKER: Donny Moss - film maker
  • FOOD: Beyond Sushi and Terri Bakery will donate vegan food for the event

This is a must see for those who have never seen this documentary - and a gentle reminder for all those who have. Plus - a nice social event. Thank you Sophie for doing this.

THE COALITION TO BAN HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGES SUPPORTS MANY HORSE ISSUES
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HELP OUR ORGANIZATION BY SHOPPING ONLINE - iGIVE
If you buy online, you can help the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages
igive Through a free registration with iGive, when you buy merchandise on line, your purchase will help us. Many organizations give a percentage of the sale to not for profit organizations at no cost to you. There are more than 1500 stores that include such popular ones as Amazon.com, Staples, Best Buy and Barnes & Noble. Click here to get started.

On iGive - the name of our organization is "The Coalition for NYC Animals, Inc." Click here to begin.

PLEASE JOIN US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Google Blog & Flickr

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead.

Thank you for caring about the horses, Elizabeth Forel - Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages - a standing committee of The Coalition for New York City Animals, Inc.

Please DONATE to our campaign to ban the inhumane and unsafe carriage horse industry.