Strengthening Protections for Carriage Horses Forced to Work in Extreme Heat
Legislation passed in November 2019
The Animal Legal Defense Fund was a member of the coalition supporting Intro 1425 — prohibiting carriage horses from working when the heat index is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
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Every summer, New York City carriage horses struggle during the hottest months, standing in congested traffic without shade while waiting for fares. These horses are forced to work day in and day out, rain or shine, on hot asphalt, often to the point of exhaustion.
The Carriage Horse Heat Relief Bill, Intro 1425, strengthened protections for carriage horses working during New York City’s sweltering summers. Under the previous rule, carriage horses had to continue working until the temperature reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit. But temperature isn’t always an accurate reflection of how hot it feels. Intro 1425 takes into account humidity and stops horses from working when the heat index or “real feel” is 90 degrees. The bill also updated the way that temperature and relative humidity is measured – requiring the city to use high-tech equipment like a hygrometer to ensure accurate readings.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund was part of the coalition of organizations supporting Intro 1425.
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