On Liam Neeson And NYC Carriage Horses

Like many animal lovers that watched the Daily Show on Thursday night, I was appalled at what Liam Neeson had to say about the horse carriage industry. For someone that owns horses, he is clearly not a friend of the four-legged creatures, especially for the poor souls that parade tourists around Midtown and Central Park. One comment in particular, about him moving into the Central Park Stables, had PETA thinking that Neeson was kicked in the head by one of his own horses. Especially when you look at where Liam lives, and the conditions of the stables he's talking about.

From PETA:

Horses who are forced to pull carriages endure terrible living conditions like these. Sounds like home sweet home to Neeson, though!

Liam's posh 6,000 square foot estate that he would apparently prefer to give up to live in the stables

When Jon Stewart questioned whether the horses would prefer to be free, Liam said, "Everyone thinks cows in the fields would rather be running wild … that's bullsh** … horses don't either."

Oh, Liam, maybe you're right, let me ponder this for a moment … It does seem like horses would prefer to endure the freezing cold and the panicky booms, noisy traffic, and exhaust fumes of the city over living in a lush pasture. And you're right, they probably much prefer the whips, shouting, heavy gear, traces, and lack of water in the troughs as well as the long shifts trudging for hours and pulling strangers in a half-mile circle all day without rest over living a natural life. Makes sense, right?

Jon stood firm, though, and came to the support of horses, adding, "I don't think living on 52nd and 11th is a holiday for a horse."

Why Liam is such an avid supporter of the cruel horse carriage industry in NYC, I can't imagine. If he's really seen the conditions the horses endure, and still carries on like this, well, Liam must be one sick individual.

Now I know that this is from PETA and they can be a bit over-reactive from time to time. Yet the conditions of what horses in NYC endure does not rest on PETA alone. These horses have been killed in traffic, are put to work in nasty, cold snowy weather and made to work incessantly throughout the day. There is a better approach to getting a tour of the park, such as riding a bike, or a pedicab if don't want to peddle. I understand back in the 19th century and before the use of horses in cities, but nowadays with cars and mass transit available, there is no need for them to be in such a chaotic environment. Don't believe me though, there are plenty of sources to check out just on YouTube.

Romney Defends His Animal Abuse

Mitt Romney faced an onslaught of coverage following the Boston Globe article that told of him strapping a dog carrier with his Irish Setter "Seamus" inside for a day long roadtrip from Boston to Ontario in 1983. Dog owners and people who believe in humane treatment for dogs (probably over 99 percent of the population) were shocked at the news, even thought it was so long ago. So how does a Presidential candidate respond to the story showing his callous behavior for the family dog? Perhaps with an apology.....but we are talking about Mr. "Double Guantanamo" Mitt Romney here.

From WTAE-TV:

Romney answered questions about a Boston Globe feature story that mentions how he strapped his dog's cage, with the animal inside, to the top of his family's car during a 12-hour road trip 24 years ago.

He said Thursday that the pet enjoyed the experience, and he took a shot at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a group that has labeled his actions as cruelty.

"You know, PETA has not been my fan over the years," Romney said. "PETA has been after me for having a rodeo at the Olympics and were very, very upset about that. PETA was after me when I went quail hunting in Georgia. And PETA is not happy that my dog likes fresh air."

FRESH AIR??? Are you kidding me? Dogs like fresh air when they are running outside in the grass or on a walk. Not experiencing it at 70mph on a highway for hours upon hours. To blame PETA for the abuse of an animal is outrageous to say the least. PETA isn't the only group that is upset over this, so is the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. An officer of the group says it could be illegal as well. If Mitt were any kind of man, he would apologize for his treatment of the dog, not try to blame someone else.