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Central Park Horse Death: Toxic Plant Blamed
17 Jun
Summary
- A horse collapsed in Central Park and ate a toxic Japanese yew.
- A necropsy report confirmed poisonous plant ingestion caused the death.
- The union cited the report to refute claims of mistreatment or neglect.
The Central Park carriage horse that collapsed and died was poisoned by a toxic Japanese yew plant, according to a report released by the Transport Workers Union of America. The horse ingested part of the ornamental shrub, known to be fatal to equines, near East 90th Street.
Union officials cited the necropsy report to assert the death was not a result of mistreatment or neglect. This stance pushes back against calls to ban carriage horses in New York City, emphasizing that city law forbids horses from eating vegetation within the park.
The incident, captured on video by bystanders, has sparked renewed debate among animal rights activists and elected officials regarding the welfare of these working animals.
