Melissa Gilbert Accuses NYC Council Speaker of Blocking Horse Carriage Ban, Calls Actions “Cruel”
New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is facing sharp criticism from actress Melissa Gilbert, who publicly accused her of single-handedly obstructing legislation aimed at phasing out the city’s controversial horse-drawn carriage industry. The “Little House on the Prairie” star labeled Adams’ actions as “cruel, corrupt, and undemocratic.”
Gilbert, 61, delivered a direct message to Speaker Adams via Instagram, demanding immediate action on Ryder’s Law, which seeks to replace horse-drawn carriages in Central Park with electric alternatives by June 2026. “Speaker Adams is single-handedly blocking Ryder’s Law — even going so far as to block a hearing on it,” Gilbert stated in the video. “That is unacceptably cruel, corrupt, and undemocratic.”
The actress emphasized the public support for the legislation, noting that “a super-majority of New Yorkers support Ryder’s Law, as does the Central Park Conservancy.” She further highlighted the ongoing welfare concerns surrounding the horses, stating, “Meanwhile, horses continue to collapse and drop dead. They’re even running wild and injuring people in the park.” Gilbert concluded her message with a direct plea: “Speaker Adams, this insanity must stop. As a resident of New York, I demand you schedule a hearing immediately so that the people can vote on Ryder’s Law.”
This public rebuke comes months after Gilbert shared her reasons for leaving Los Angeles, describing California as an environment that made her feel pressured to resist aging. She told Page Six in January that she felt more comfortable and accepted in New York City, stating, “I went from, ‘Oh God, I better not get older!’ to ‘Oh God, I’m so glad I’m older!’”
Support for Ryder’s Law extends beyond Gilbert. Stars like Billie Eilish and Joaquin Phoenix have also voiced their support for the measure. According to reports from Fox News, “Sopranos” star Edie Falco previously penned a letter to Adams, shared by PETA, urging her to “stop blocking Ryder’s Law” to prevent further harm to the horses.
The debate surrounding the horse-drawn carriage industry in New York City has been ongoing for years, with animal welfare advocates raising concerns about the horses’ working conditions and safety. Opponents of the ban argue it would negatively impact tourism and the livelihoods of carriage drivers. .
Gilbert’s early career took off with her iconic role as Laura Ingalls on “Little House on the Prairie.” Reflecting on her audition process, she recalled a deliberately unpolished approach. “I would change into my audition uniform, which was just overalls and a flannel shirt and tennis shoes,” she shared on the “Hey Dude… The 90s Called!” podcast, according to People Magazine. “And whatever dirt was on my face at the time or food or whatever, it was just left there.”
The actress also recently shared memories of her first day on the set of “Little House on the Prairie” via TikTok, describing it as “the best game of pretend anyone’s ever played.” She reminisced about the lively atmosphere, complete with “horses and cows,” and the intimate feeling of the cast coming together as a family. It was on that day she received the endearing nickname, “half pint.”
“Little House on the Prairie” ran for nine seasons, with Gilbert appearing in 190 of the show’s 204 episodes, solidifying her place in television history.
