Horse-drawn carriage runs loose without driver in Central Park

"But the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100, which represents horse-drawn carriage drivers and owners, told amNewYork there is more to the story. According to union representatives, a veteran carriage driver and a co-worker were training the horse, who was new to the job. The horse apparently became upset by a garbage truck that was tailgating and loudly grinding its gears before hitting the back of the carriage, the union said."

"According to Edita Birnkrant, executive director of NYCLASS, the horse smashed through metal signs, garbage cans and other obstacles along the path as people were forced to jump from the carriage to save their lives. Birnkrant said the frightening incident in the park makes it crystal clear that no one is able to protect the horses or the public from abuse, danger, injury or death as long as horse-drawn carriages continue to operate."

A runaway horse-drawn carriage in Central Park on Labor Day morning galloped along the pavement, knocking down signs and obstacles while passengers and parkgoers jumped to safety. A viral video circulated showing the spooked horse smashing through metal signs, garbage cans and other barriers. NYCLASS said the incident demonstrates inability to protect horses or the public from abuse, danger, injury or death while carriages operate. TWU Local 100 said a veteran driver and co-worker were training the horse, which was new, and that a tailgating garbage truck loudly grinding gears struck the carriage and spooked the animal. Union representatives called for an investigation but opposed an industrywide ban.

Read at www.amny.com