Mayor Bill de Blasio experienced a significant setback when his initiative to restrict the horse carriage industry in New York City was halted by the City Council. This initiative aimed to reduce the number of carriage horses and confine them to Central Park, but it faced opposition from various groups, leading to the Teamsters union withdrawing their support. The plan, which involved spending up to $25 million of taxpayer money on a new stable in the park, was criticized by community leaders, parks advocates, and the Transport Workers Union, which supported pedicab drivers opposing restrictions placed on them. Despite this political defeat and calls from some City Council members to move on from the issue, de Blasio vowed to continue his efforts to address the horse carriage industry, a promise he made during his mayoral campaign. The decision has sparked frustration among animal rights activists, particularly NYCLASS, which supported de Blasio’s campaign due to his stance on horse carriages. The controversy surrounding the horse carriage industry remains unresolved, with both supporters and opponents standing firm in their positions.
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https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2016/02/4/city-council-shelves-horse-carriage-bill