Adams hires external veterinarian to assess Central Park carriage horses, raising concerns within the industry.

The ongoing debate surrounding New York City’s horse carriage industry has taken a new turn with Mayor Eric Adams’ recent directive for outside veterinarians to conduct medical examinations on several horses used in Central Park. This initiative involves the hiring of Kraig Kulikowski, a veterinarian from Saratoga County, who has previously attended events organized by a prominent anti-carriage group, raising concerns among carriage operators and union representatives about the potential motivations behind this decision.

This latest action follows weeks of Adams and his first deputy mayor, Randy Mastro, seeking avenues to impose a ban on the horse carriage industry, a protocol that has long been a contentious issue in the city. The Transport Workers Union and other carriage drivers have criticized Kulikowski’s appointment, perceiving it as part of a broader effort to eliminate their livelihoods. Central Park carriage driver Ahmet Bilici, who has been in the profession for two decades, expressed outrage, describing the move as an abuse of power and asserting that existing regulations already require regular veterinary check-ups for the horses.

Historically, Adams has defended the carriage drivers, arguing for possible resolutions that would ensure job security while safeguarding the welfare of the horses. However, following a recent shift in perspective, the mayor has leaned towards backing a City Council bill aimed at banning horse-drawn carriages, labeling the practice as inhumane. Despite these assertions, the City Council did not advance that proposed legislation last month.

The Health Department’s engagement with Kulikowski for the examinations has drawn significant attention. An email sent to local carriage drivers indicated that the examination was mandatory and would involve blood sampling and physical assessments of the horses. The decision to select Kulikowski, a veterinarian known for his affiliations with groups advocating for the prohibition of horse carriages, has fueled the belief that there may be ulterior motives at play.

Administration officials have emphasized that Kulikowski’s contract was secured through a micro procurement process, which bypasses the standard competitive bidding requirements, thus limiting the contract’s financial cap. While Kulikowski is set to examine a limited number of the approximately 200 carriage horses in the city, concerns persist regarding possible implications for the future of the carriage industry.

Union President John Samuelsen has expressed apprehension that the examinations could lead to a new standard for the industry, potentially compromising the livelihoods of drivers during the vital holiday season. He suggested that the appointments made by Mastro might be strategic in framing the narrative regarding the health of the horses as the transition to a new administration approaches.

As Adams prepares to leave office at the end of the year without seeking reelection amidst ethical controversies, his administration is pressing forward with the examinations, which are aimed at assessing the conditions under which the horses operate. Incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani has indicated his support for pursuing a ban but aims to collaborate with the union before enacting significant changes.

Overall, the tension surrounding the horse carriage industry in New York City remains high, as advocates from both sides continue to navigate the complexities of animal welfare, economic impacts, and regulatory measures within this evolving landscape.