Adams reverses stance on New York City’s horse carriage industry, changing previous position on the trade.

In a striking turn of events, New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams, previously known for his self-proclaimed “swagger,” faced potential federal charges, including bribery, that could have led him to a prison cell. The cloud of corruption loomed large as federal prosecutors engaged in a legal battle against him, only to see the case unexpectedly dismissed following a petition from the Trump administration to halt proceedings. This unexpected intervention spared Adams from what may have resulted in a trial and possible conviction.

However, the question remains whether Adams has gleaned any lessons from this close encounter with the law. His recent backing of Ryder’s Law, which proposes a ban on horse-drawn carriage rides, raises eyebrows, particularly given his historical support for the carriage drivers. This shift has drawn criticism, especially considering his prior assurances not to yield to the demands of the New York Coalition for Animals (NYCLASS), which has pushed tirelessly for such a ban over the past 15 years.

There are troubling implications surrounding this legislation. NYCLASS, co-founded by real estate developers, has been accused of seeking to replace stables in Manhattan with lucrative high-rise buildings, thereby enriching their real estate portfolios. Emails released in 2017 revealed discussions between Steve Nislick, NYCLASS’s co-founder, and Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration regarding housing developments in the same vicinity as the horse stables, coinciding with their efforts to eliminate carriage rides.

Further complicating matters, Adams appointed Randy Mastro, a lawyer for NYCLASS, as his first deputy mayor after a failed attempt to secure Mastro’s nomination as the city’s top lawyer due to a lack of confidence from City Council members. Mastro’s history includes representing NYCLASS in various legal challenges, including campaign finance violations and inquiries from the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying.

Amid these controversies, Adams is grappling with significant public disapproval. Current polls indicate he is trailing even behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in the wake of sexual harassment scandals, as well as Curtis Sliwa, a colorful figure known for his flamboyant red beret and contentious personal history.

Despite Adams’s earlier commitments to the horse-carriage drivers—an essential workforce mostly composed of immigrants and their descendants—his recent policy shift raises concerns regarding the future of these livelihoods. Previously, Adams had implemented improvements focused on the welfare of the carriage horses, coordinating efforts with multiple city agencies to enhance conditions for the animals.

However, before endorsing Ryder’s Law, it appears Adams did not consult pertinent departments that oversee the health and care of these horses. This lack of consultation is particularly alarming given that a position for a full-time equine veterinarian was posted shortly before his announcement, suggesting internal confusion within his administration.

Moreover, Adams’s understanding of Ryder’s Law appears tenuous at best, as documentation on his official social media inaccurately describes the measures it would take. Expert assessments have consistently found that the carriage horses are well-cared for, debunking claims of systemic abuse propagated by NYCLASS.

The abrupt change in Adams’s stance on the horse-carriage industry has left many perplexed, prompting questions about the influence of substantial real estate money behind the scenes. This sudden pivot raises suspicions of potential conflicts of interest, casting doubt on the integrity of the administration’s motivations regarding the iconic New York City carriage rides.

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