I'm a friend to animals. I support the SPCA and Philly Paws. But some "animal rights" freaks are salivating over tragedy and it disgusts me. This driver could have just as easily plowed into three pedestrians - and it wouldn't be the first time - and these people are more concerned with the three uninjured horses than the three people taken to the hospital. There is absolutely nothing wrong, outdated, or inhumane about nostalgic horse drawn carriage rides through Philadelphia's historic districts.
Say what you will about the dangers of operating a horse on the streets of Philadelphia in 2010, but as far as I know the speed limits of surface streets haven't changed since the 50s, a time in which it wasn't uncommon to see horses being used for more than just tourism. In fact, as this city becomes more popular we will gain residents and tourists which translates into pedestrians and cyclists which could have just as easily been hit by this idiot. The problem is not horse drawn carriages, it is the speeding and aggressive driving - often aimed at pedestrians and cyclists (and anything deemed too slow for New Jersey) - that is consistently overlooked.
The "Peace Advocacy Network" and Leila Fusfeld are using this as a means to an end to complete an agenda against an industry they know nothing about. Mayor Nutter and Councilman DiCiccio, please don't sheepishly pander to these alleged friends to animals. Take a trip up to the Loft District and witness first hand how these horses are lovingly cared for. Go to a farm and get to know a horse, understanding first hand that Leila Fusfeld and her minions are grossly inaccurate in assuming that horse drawn carriages can in any way be considered abuse. These animals were bred for labor. "Horse power" is used to measure engine strength for a reason. And don't forget that the end of these horses' careers is quite simply a death sentence. An unemployed horse equals dog food. Leila Fusfeld wouldn't want you to know that.*From Councilman Frank DiCicco: "There was an unfortunate accident. There are accidents that happen every day in the city of Philadelphia. There are pedestrians who are hit by cars and either injured or killed. I don't see anyone out there saying eliminate motor vehicles from the streets of our city also."
