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Toxic Plant Kills Central Park Carriage Horse
16 Jun
Summary
- Carriage horse Deniz died June 9 from ingesting toxic Japanese yew.
- Union claims Central Park officials failed to warn about poisonous plants.
- Conservancy blames negligent handlers, reiterates ban support.
A 16-year-old carriage horse, Deniz, died on June 9 after consuming a Japanese yew plant, identified as highly toxic. Pathologists discovered plant needles in the horse's stomach, mouth, and intestines, suggesting a lethal dose was ingested. The plant's toxins can disrupt heart function, leading to sudden cardiac arrest.
The union representing carriage horse drivers claims Central Park officials failed to warn handlers about the presence of these poisonous plants within the park. They stated Deniz paused and ate from a shrub along the curb on the day of its death.
Conversely, the Central Park Conservancy pushed back, asserting that NYC Parks rules prohibit horses from eating vegetation and that handlers are responsible for their horses' safety. They reiterated their support for banning carriage horses from the park.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the findings necessitate an investigation into the safety of plants accessible to animals in the park. She deferred the decision on banning carriage horses to the city, acknowledging it is a significant part of the New York experience.
