Supporters of a carriage horse named Lady, who collapsed and died in Hell’s Kitchen, held a rally near the stable where she lived, highlighting ongoing concerns about the horse carriage industry. Lady, 15, collapsed at 51st Street and 11th Avenue, prompting an investigation by the city’s Department of Health and a pending necropsy. The incident has reignited calls for Ryder’s Law, legislation aimed at phasing out horse-drawn carriages in New York City due to concerns about the industry’s treatment of horses and safety.

The carriage drivers’ union defends the industry, emphasizing strict veterinary checks and temperature guidelines, and expressing frustration at animal rights advocates for exploiting the tragedy without compassion for those who cared for Lady. Ryder’s Law is named after another carriage horse, Ryder, who collapsed in 2022 and later died of cancer. The horse’s handler was recently acquitted in an animal abuse trial, underscoring the contentious debate surrounding the future of horse-drawn carriages in the city.