Yahoo News Alarming photos of fallen horse in Central Park spark outrage
Alarming photos of a horse on the ground after falling in Central Park have sparked outrage from an animal rights group.
The photos, taken in the New York City park on February 21, show the carriage horse slumped on the ground surrounded by concerned onlookers.
NYCLASS, a group campaigning to ban horse drawn carriages in the city, say the photos were taken after the animal ‘collapsed’, a claim denied by its owner.
“Horses don’t just collapse. Something happened – and the city should get to the bottom of it and make sure it never happens again,” said NYCLASS spokesman John Collins.
“They should conduct an immediate investigation into the health and whereabouts of this horse, including allowing an independent vet to examine the animal.”
However, driver Chris Amanus refuted claims his horse Max had suddenly collapsed on the ground in Central Park.
“He tripped. His foot got stuck on a little crack on the pavement. He went down,” he said, the New York Daily News reports. “That happens all the time with horses. With new shoes, sometimes they’re not comfortable.”
He added: “He had no scratches, no nothing. I’ve been doing this for 20 years. I’m one person who doesn’t take any chance with my horse, none whatsoever.”
The 13-year-old draft horse is now back on the route after taking five days off, his owner added.
Photos of a bear in chains at a 'circus' club night in France previously sparked outrage.
