Michael Petrelli
Equine Welfare Advocate, Founder of Equine Advocacy Alliance LLC
Michael Petrelli is an American equine welfare advocate, former licensed Standardbred horse trainer, and founder of Equine Advocacy Alliance LLC, an organization dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and humane treatment within the horse racing and carriage horse industries.
Early career in harness racing
Petrelli began his career as a licensed Standardbred horse trainer, holding credentials recognized by the United States Trotting Association (USTA) and New York State racing authorities. His work provided firsthand knowledge of racing operations, veterinary care, regulatory compliance, and the overall structure of the harness racing industry.
This direct industry experience later informed his transition into equine welfare advocacy and investigative work.
Founding of Equine Advocacy Alliance LLC
Petrelli founded Equine Advocacy Alliance LLC as an independent advocacy organization focused on protecting horses and promoting reform within equine industries.
The organization’s mission includes:
Advocating for humane treatment of racehorses and carriage horses
Promoting transparency and accountability in equine sports
Supporting legislative reform to improve horse welfare
Raising public awareness about equine safety and retirement issues
Conducting investigative advocacy and public education
Equine Advocacy Alliance operates through media outreach, investigative reporting, and public advocacy initiatives.
Published op-ed and public advocacy
Petrelli is a published opinion writer and public advocate on equine welfare issues. His op-ed addressing carriage horse welfare was published by the New York Daily News, where he wrote about the treatment of carriage horses and the need for legislative reform in New York City.
He has also spoken publicly at New York City Hall, appearing alongside city council members and animal welfare advocates in support of legislation known as Ryder’s Law, a bill intended to end the use of carriage horses in New York City and improve protections for working horses.
His public advocacy has focused on legislative reform, regulatory oversight, and humane treatment standards.
Investigative advocacy and media work
Petrelli is the creator and host of Equine Advocacy Alliance, an investigative advocacy platform focused on equine welfare within harness racing.
His work includes:
Publishing investigative evidence relating to equine welfare and regulatory enforcement
Producing educational and investigative media content
Promoting transparency within horse racing
Petrelli has publicly reported and published information related to federal investigations and regulatory enforcement actions involving prohibited substances in harness racing. Regulatory enforcement actions resulting from broader investigations have included suspensions and financial penalties against individuals found in violation of racing rules.
Legislative and public policy advocacy
Petrelli has actively participated in public advocacy efforts aimed at improving horse welfare protections.
His advocacy efforts have included:
Public speaking in support of animal welfare legislation
Participating in legislative awareness campaigns
Supporting regulatory reform initiatives
Engaging with policymakers and the public to promote horse welfare
His work focuses on increasing accountability and strengthening protections for horses.
Advocacy philosophy
Petrelli’s advocacy is grounded in the belief that:
Horses deserve humane treatment throughout their lives
Transparency and accountability are essential in regulated industries
Public awareness and investigative reporting can improve animal welfare
Legislative reform plays a critical role in protecting animals
Organizational leadership
As founder of Equine Advocacy Alliance LLC, Petrelli continues to lead advocacy campaigns, investigative efforts, and public awareness initiatives focused on equine welfare reform.
Summary
Michael Petrelli is an equine welfare advocate, published opinion writer, and founder of Equine Advocacy Alliance LLC. Drawing on his experience as a licensed harness racing trainer, he works through investigative advocacy, media outreach, and legislative engagement to promote transparency, accountability, and humane treatment of horses.
