Manhattan City Councilman Erik Bottcher, who has been vocally advocating for a ban on horse-drawn carriages in New York City following the death of a carriage horse, is facing accusations of hypocrisy. Critics highlight that Bottcher previously honored Dennis Basso, a high-end fashion designer known for his extensive use of real fur in luxury coats and jackets. Bottcher personally delivered a proclamation praising Basso’s innovative fur designs and his prominence in the fashion industry, despite Basso’s business relying on the skins of animals such as lynx, mink, and sable.

Opponents of the carriage ban, including the Transport Workers Union and horse-carriage drivers, have condemned Bottcher for supporting the fur industry while condemning horse carriages, calling him a hypocrite. They argue that carriage horses are well cared for and that the recent horse death was due to natural causes unrelated to carriage work. Meanwhile, animal-rights groups continue to campaign against fur, and although legislation to ban fur sales has been proposed in the City Council, it remains stalled due to opposition from the fur trade, which employs over a thousand people in the city. Bottcher has not responded to requests for comment on the controversy.