Animal advocates, including mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, rallied at City Hall to support Ryder’s Law, legislation aimed at banning horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The rally followed the acquittal of carriage driver Ian McKeever, who was charged after his horse Ryder collapsed on the street. City Council Member Robert Holden sponsors the bill, which would prohibit new carriage licenses and phase out the industry. Advocates called for the law’s passage amid ongoing concerns about horse welfare, especially after Ryder was euthanized months later due to medical issues, including cancer.

In response to Sliwa’s comments at the rally alleging corruption within the Transport Workers Union (TWU) leadership related to the carriage industry, TWU President John Samuelsen threatened to sue Sliwa for defamation unless he retracted and apologized by a Thursday deadline. Samuelsen condemned Sliwa’s remarks as false and damaging, while Sliwa defended his statements as protected free speech. The TWU has since worked with veterinarians to improve horse care following Ryder’s collapse, addressing criticism over the city’s lack of veterinary oversight in recent years.