Gojira frontman Joe Duplantier has called on fans to stop taking horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park. He shared his concerns about animal cruelty in a video posted on Instagram.
Duplantier shared the video during a visit to New York City. He spoke out against the use of horses for tourist entertainment, arguing that the practice causes unnecessary suffering and harm to the animals.
“Horses are here in New York City used for tourist entertainment to drag them through the park. These practices are unnecessary, old, and unjustified,” Duplantier said.
He went on to describe the conditions the horses are subjected to on a daily basis, urging his followers to take a stand.
“And horses are suffering standing all day in the sun or in the cold waiting to be exploited for money and entertainment for tourists. This is unacceptable. Don’t take the ride in Central Park,” he continued.
Duplantier’s remarks come at a time when the debate over New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry has reached a critical point. Animal welfare advocates and lawmakers are increasingly pushing for an end to the practice.
Humane World reported that New York City carriage horses are only permitted to work when temperatures are below 90°F and are entitled to five mandated weeks of rest per year. Animal welfare groups argue that these regulations still fall short of making the industry humane. Critics point out that the horses are routinely exposed to exhaust fumes, heavy traffic, long working hours, and extreme weather conditions on the streets of Manhattan.
Legislative efforts to end the practice have been gaining traction. Mid-South Horse Review noted that Mayor Eric Adams has called for a ban on horse-drawn carriages. A proposed measure known as Ryder’s Law would phase out the industry entirely, replacing the carriages with electric vehicle alternatives. Supporters of the bill say it represents a turning point in urban animal welfare policy.
The urgency behind such proposals is underscored by a troubling track record. The Animal Legal Defense Fund documented that horses have repeatedly suffered and died in New York City’s carriage industry. Cases involving elderly and vulnerable animals have drawn particular public outcry.
Duplantier’s call to action aligns with a broader wave of celebrity and activist pressure on the industry. His message echoes longstanding campaigns that frame the carriage trade not as a charming tradition, but as an outdated and cruel practice that has no place in a modern city. Whether his platform translates into measurable change remains to be seen. The timing of his appeal, however, adds another prominent voice to a debate that is already well underway in City Hall.
