Lady, a 15-year-old carriage horse in Manhattan, died suddenly due to a small tumor on her adrenal gland that likely caused an aortic rupture, according to a necropsy performed by Cornell University. The tumor was described as a “silent killer,” and the sudden death was deemed a medical episode that could have occurred anywhere. Despite the tragic loss, carriage driver Christina Hansen emphasized that Lady’s death was not due to abuse, but animal rights groups like PETA criticized the industry, arguing that the stressful and polluted environment likely worsened Lady’s health and that proper medical care might have prevented her death.

Lady’s death has reignited calls from activists and some officials to ban New York City’s horse carriage industry, citing a pattern of horses collapsing and dying despite being declared fit for work. Groups like NYCLASS and PETA held protests demanding an end to the practice, supported by politicians including Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal and City Council members. The controversy follows a recent acquittal of a carriage driver accused of animal cruelty in a previous horse collapse, highlighting ongoing concerns about the welfare of carriage horses in the city.