You can call or email using this brief message — or make it your own. What matters most is that they hear from you.

Subject: Please Support Ryder’s Law

Dear Council Member,

I’m writing to urge you to cosponsor Ryder’s Law (Intro 967)  and ensure it is brought to a vote immediately to protect the public and horses from ongoing safety dangers and cruelty. Horses like Lady who collapsed and died on 51st Street and 11th Avenue in August, and Bambi who spooked and ran wild on Labor Day in Central Park, with trapped passengers who had to jump out and parkgoers forced to run for their lives to safety. There have been four violent runaway horse crashes in Central Park just since May this year in addition to many other crashes in traffic. Horses and the public deserve  protection from the inhumane and unsafe conditions of New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry.

This bill represents compassion, progress, and public safety: values that New Yorkers stand behind. A new Zogby poll released this month found that an overwhelming 78% of New York City voters fully support Ryder’s Law, showing a rare political consensus across every corner of New York City. There are replacement jobs for carriage drivers being offered that would provide increased salary and real union benefits and worker protections that they are currently being denied..  Please use your leadership to help phase out  this outdated practice and ensure a better future for horses, workers, and New Yorkers. . Thank you for your time and your service to New York City.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City, State]

• Clearly state: “I support Ryder’s Law (Intro 967) and ask you to cosponsor the bill and bring it to a vote this year.”

• Mention  that public support is growing and will not let up - 78% of New York Voters in a poll this month said they fully support Ryder’s Law and over 2/3rd said they want it to get a hearing and to be advanced. Optional: Add one or two personal lines about why this issue matters to you (animal welfare, public safety, etc.).

• Be polite but firm: ask for their yes vote and commitment to move the legislation forward.