A horse caused mayhem in Manhattan on Sunday after breaking free from its carriage, resulting in damaged cars and a wild sprint down the West Side Highway. The chaotic incident was captured on video, showing the aftermath of smashed vehicles and a badly damaged horse carriage. The trouble began when the carriage malfunctioned and the driver agitated the horse while trying to fix it. As a result, the 15-year-old horse named Gunner dragged the driver along, causing the driver to sustain broken ribs.
Gunner then ran towards the West Side Highway, crashing into multiple parked cars along the way. Eventually, the horse became disengaged from the carriage and continued its journey down the northbound lanes of the highway. The pursuit came to an end when Gunner slipped and fell, allowing two off-duty New York Police Department officers to subdue and transport him to Clinton Park Stables for evaluation.
Despite the incident, Gunner is reported to be in stable condition after receiving stitches for a cut on his leg. Christina Hanson of Clinton Park Stables confirmed that Gunner has been resting comfortably in his stall since the incident. The event has also sparked a renewal of calls by activists to ban horse carriages in the city due to concerns about public safety and animal welfare.
Edita Birnkrant, an animal rights advocate with NYCLASS, highlighted the dangers associated with horse carriages, citing instances of accidents causing harm to both horses and pedestrians. Birnkrant mentioned that sanctuary farms have offered to retire Gunner, ensuring he will never be put in harm’s way again. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding the use of horse-drawn carriages in New York City.
Overall, the chaotic escape of Gunner the horse in Manhattan has raised concerns about the safety of horse carriages and reignited calls to ban them. The incident highlights the potential risks involved for both animals and the public when these carriages are in use. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether any changes will be implemented to address these concerns.
