Standardbred Canada ran a story in November of 2008 outlining how PETA is trying to ban New York City's storied horse-drawn carriage industry. Now a major Hollywood star has stepped up and let his feelings be known about the issue.
According to a report by gothamist.com, Liam Neeson, star of the upcoming film 'Taken,' has penned an open letter to New York city council regarding the issue.
A section of the letter appears below.
"As a horse lover and rider, I am deeply disturbed by the unnecessary and misguided political and extreme rhetoric against the horse-drawn carriage industry and feel obliged to counter this action.
"The horse-drawn carriage business is an iconic part of this city, employing hundreds of dedicated, hard-working men and women, caring for well-bred, well-trained horses and attracting tourists to New York City for over 100 years.
"As a proud New York resident, I have personally enjoyed the beauty of Central Park on a daily basis for many years, and these horses are an undeniable integral part of that experience. The notion that a well-nourished horse pulling a carriage through Central Park is considered cruelty may fit in with animal activists' extremist view, but not with the rest of us. Surely we have a responsibility to protect commerce, especially one with such history, and one I truly feel helps define this city. May pragmatism prevail."
To read the gothamist.com article in its entirety, click here.
Click here to read SC's previous story regarding the issue.
To get SC blogger Kelly Spencer's take on the issue, click here.
(With files from gothamist.com)
I remember watching
I remember watching Politically Incorrect with Bill Mayer, and he had a famous actress for a guest ( I forget who it was ) who was a member of PETA. She proudly explained that she was a vegetarian and after many months, she had turned her pet dog into a vegetarian. SHE should be charged with cruelty!