Park carriage-ride ban is proposed

The New York City Council is considering a ban on horse-drawn carriage rides through Central Park after recent traffic accidents involving the popular tourist attraction.

The proposal was introduced by Councilman Tony Avella, who has long fought to end the practice he calls inhumane and incompatible with traffic-clogged Midtown Manhattan.

“It’s just not a natural thing to have a horse-drawn carriage in an urban setting like New York City,” Avella said. He has the support of animal rights groups.

But the Horse and Carriage Assn. of New York called the proposed ban a publicity stunt and vigorously defended its record. “These horses are extremely well cared for and extremely loved,” said Carolyn Daly, an association spokeswoman.