Melissa Gilbert has publicly criticized New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams for blocking a hearing on Ryder’s Law, a proposed legislation to phase out horse-drawn carriages in Central Park by June 2026. Gilbert called Adams “cruel, corrupt, and undemocratic” in an Instagram video, urging her to allow a hearing so New Yorkers can vote on the law. Ryder’s Law aims to replace horse-drawn carriages with electric ones and prohibit the sale of horses for slaughter or carriage use elsewhere, following concerns about horse welfare after a horse named Ryder died in Manhattan in 2022. Several celebrities, including Kathy Najimy, Marisa Tomei, Joaquin Phoenix, Billie Eilish, Christopher Walken, and Edie Falco, have voiced support for the legislation.

However, not everyone agrees with the ban. Some carriage drivers, like Alexus Lawson, argue that those who truly care about horses should focus on other issues, emphasizing their lifelong love and care for the animals. The debate highlights a divide between animal welfare advocates pushing for the ban and carriage drivers defending their industry and relationship with the horses. Fox News Digital has sought comments from both Gilbert and Adams.