Excerpt from article in Daily News
The transit union representing Central Park carriage-horse owners and drivers is suing the non-profit leading the charge to ban the industry, claiming a “pattern of malice” against its members.
The Transport Workers Union, which represents the roughly 200 owners and drivers who operate horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, filed suit against New Yorkers for Clean Livable and Safe Streets — NYCLASS — in New York Supreme Court Monday, alleging the group knowingly spreads false claims in an effort to build support for a ban carriage horses.
“NYCLASS has used unlawful means, including, but not limited to, misrepresentation to the public and third parties, and/or acted with the purpose of harming the carriage drivers and their business, under the pretense of animal rights,” the complaint reads.
The union accuses the non-profit of tortious interference for allegedly attempting to undercut the carriage-horse industry.
The suit is the first legal action to be filed since the Daily News reported that the TWU was gearing up to sue Adams administration officials as well as NYCLASS staff over the ongoing carriage horse debate. Ending the tradition has gained significant political support over the last year, including from the Central Park Conservancy and Mayor Adams.
