NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – New rules take effect Friday for horse-drawn carriages, and carriage drivers aren't happy about it.
After years of controversy from animal rights activists, carriage pickups will now move inside Central Park, away from the busier traffic on surrounding streets.
Horse carriage driver Christina Hansen told 1010 WINS that the horses are creatures of habit and quite comfortable on Central Park West.
"They have learned that that's their safe spot, that's their home away from home. That's where they go every day, "she said.
But Edita Birnkrant, executive director for NYCLASS, which stands for "clean, livable and safe streets," told 1010 WINS that moving horses to spots inside the park is the humane thing to do.
"These horses go through constant cars, and ambulances, and fire trucks whizzing by," she said.
"It's common sense that moving horses into a car-free park is clearly better than having them in chaotic traffic."
Hansen and other carriage drivers say the new rules came about because NYCLASS contributed to Mayor Bill de Blasio's campaigns.
