If there is one thing New York City has never been short on, it’s opinions—and Curtis Sliwa is making sure his comes with a megaphone. The longtime animal-welfare advocate and Guardian Angels founder has once again put NYC horse carriages squarely in his sights, calling for an end to the controversial Central Park tradition.
Sliwa has been a vocal opponent of horse-drawn carriages in New York City for years, arguing that horses shouldn’t have to navigate crowded streets, traffic and the chaos of Manhattan simply to give tourists a scenic ride. In July, he appeared before the New York City Council in support of legislation that would phase out the horse-carriage industry.
And Sliwa isn’t exactly approaching the issue quietly. His activism has included protests and public confrontations surrounding the carriage industry, continuing a campaign that has become almost as familiar as the red beret he famously wears.
The controversy has gained fresh momentum following several incidents involving carriage horses. In January, a horse named Destiny bolted from Central Park into traffic, with the runaway carriage reportedly striking vehicles. More recently, another horse’s death reignited calls for the city to reconsider whether horse-drawn carriages belong in modern-day Manhattan.
Sliwa’s position is straightforward: ban NYC horse carriages and transition drivers to alternative forms of employment, potentially including electric carriages. Supporters say the move would protect animals and improve public safety, while the carriage industry and its labor supporters argue that drivers deserve protection and a meaningful transition.
For Sliwa, however, the message remains unmistakable: New York may love its nostalgia, but he believes horses shouldn’t have to pay the price for it.
In a city where even pigeons seem ready to pick a fight, the battle over horse carriages is proving particularly stubborn.
