Carriage Horse Ban

to the editor: i found it interesting that our town won't "go so far as to suggest that this industry be banned," but "urge(s) the city council to take up this cause (of replacing the horse drawn carriages with eco-friendly classic replica electric automobiles)" (editorial, "carriage horse oversight," oct. 1). that's exactly what replacing the horses for cars (or pedicabs) would be: a humane, sensible ban on an antiquated industry, and a fair compromise for the operators, who can seek a different mode of employment. the city comptroller's office has produced multiple audits in the recent years to show just how poorly the horses are treated and how the industry continues to ignore requests to maintain an updated list of horse-licensing numbers (making it nearly impossible to track the horses' health and what happens when/if they "retire"), among many other problems. the only new yorkers in favor of this industry are those with a financial stake in it. again, for those 324 licensed drivers: if driving tourists around central park is your way to make ends meet and/or your life's ambition, feel free to use your own blood, sweat and tears to ride a pedicab, or be one of the first to drive these proposed electric antique cars. this is no time, and new york city is no place, for horses to be mingling with busy street traffic on their way to and from central park.

mickey kramer east 75th street

letters have been edited for clarity, style and brevity.