LIAM Neeson has recalled his childhood summers on a Co Armagh farm in an emotional appeal to the mayor of New York to save Central Park's horse-drawn carriages.
Members of the New York City Council are planning to scrap the traditional horse-pulled vehicles, which take visitors on tours of the world-famous park, and replace them with electric carriages by 2024.
Council member Robert Holden claims the plan will end "horse cruelty", but owners of the 68 licensed carriages say their animals are well cared.
Neeson, a long time campaigner to save the tradition, has written to NYC mayor Eric Adams.
In his letter he said that :
"The return of the attempt to eliminate this industry also threatens some 150 families, plus suppliers of hay, farriers and blacksmiths and bridle equipment workers and their families.
"Thanks to the meticulous daily care they receive, carriage horses live longer than police horses; some past 20 with a mandatory retirement age of 26."
The actor continued: "I’m a proud son of the Old Sod, spending summers on a farm in Co Armagh, Northern Ireland. I’m now a proud naturalized American citizen and a New Yorker.
"On my uncle’s farm, I worked with and cared for his horses. In my movies, I not only rode horses, I also helped care for them. I know and love horses so I’m writing to you asking for your help."
In 2020, Mr Adams spoke out against the popular tourist carriages, stating in a tweet: "Why are these poor animals still being forced to work on the streets of America’s largest city so a few humans can profit?"