P!nk Leads Charge in Adoption of N.Y. Carriage Horses, Thanks Mayor for Plan to Retire Them

Grammy Winner Writes Touching Tribute in Guest Blog Post for PETA

For Immediate Release:
March 17, 2014

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

Pop sensation P!nk wants to be among the first to adopt one of the beleaguered horses to be retired from Manhattan’s controversial horse-drawn carriage trade. In a guest blog post published this morning on PETA’s website, the singer writes, “When they are finally freed, I will be among the first to adopt one of these horses so that he or she can live as nature intended.”

The singer, named Billboard‘s Artist of the Year, first helped PETA draw public attention to the issue by appearing on a Times Square billboard. “I was proud to help make this issue a hot topic, and I’m thrilled that we now have the enthusiastic support of the city’s new mayor, Bill de Blasio,” writes the Grammy winner, who grew up caring for horses on her aunt’s farm.

“Watching a horse gallop across a field is one of the most calming sights imaginable,” P!nk continues. “Watching a horse dodge traffic—nose to tailpipe and spooked by horns, sirens, and pounding music—is one of the most upsetting.”

She joins a long list of people from all over the country who are eager to adopt one of the retired horses when the ban goes into effect. Eighteen accidents in just the last few years have resulted in trips to the hospital for multiple humans and death for several horses.

“[Bill de Blasio’s] plan to phase out the inhumane horse carriages and replace them with vintage electric cars will provide solid jobs for the current carriage drivers and loving homes for the horses,” P!nk writes. “Please join me in showing support for Mayor de Blasio and his commitment to giving the horses the peaceful retirement that they deserve.”

For more information, please visit PETA.org.