OIPA ETS  expresses deep concern following the recent death of Deniz, a 16-year-old carriage horse who collapsed and died in Central Park, New York, while being used for tourist rides.

The incident, which occurred in front of shocked passers-by and tourists, has once again brought international attention to the suffering and risks faced by horses used to pull carriages in busy urban environments.

According to media reports, Deniz collapsed while on duty and later died. Preliminary information indicated that the horse may have ingested a toxic plant in Central Park, an element that is now part of the public discussion surrounding the case. However, regardless of the specific cause of death, this tragedy highlights a broader and long-standing concern: horses should not be used as tourist attractions in cities, surrounded by traffic, noise, heat, crowds and unpredictable urban conditions.

Horse-drawn carriages are often presented as a romantic or traditional experience, but behind this image lies a reality that can involve stress, physical strain and serious safety risks for both animals and people.

Horses are highly sensitive animals. They can be frightened by sudden noises, traffic, crowds, vehicles and other elements that are common in a city like New York. When they panic or collapse, the consequences can be dramatic.

Deniz’s death is not an isolated concern. Over the years, animal protection organisations, citizens and public officials have repeatedly called for the phase-out of horse-drawn carriages in New York and in other cities around the world. These calls are based not only on animal welfare concerns, but also on public safety considerations.

OIPA believes that traditions cannot be used to justify practices that expose animals to avoidable suffering and danger. Modern cities have the responsibility to evolve and to adopt more ethical, humane and sustainable forms of tourism.

The death of Deniz should not be treated as a simple accident to be forgotten. It should be a turning point. Horses do not belong in congested urban streets, nor should their bodies and lives be used for entertainment.

OIPA calls on the competent authorities to:

  • ensure full transparency regarding the circumstances of Deniz’s death;
  • strengthen controls and accountability in relation to the carriage horse industry;
  • support the progressive phase-out of horse-drawn carriages;
  • promote humane alternatives that do not involve the exploitation of animals.

Tourism must not be built on animal suffering. Cities can preserve their identity and charm without forcing animals to work in environments that are incompatible with their welfare.

OIPA will continue to support initiatives aimed at ending the use of animals for entertainment and promoting a culture of respect, compassion and responsibility towards all sentient beings.