Controversy Surrounds Councilman Over Fur Industry Support

There’s quite an uproar surrounding Eric Bocker, a Manhattan city councilman known for advocating the ban on horse-drawn carriages in New York City. It seems that despite his stance on animal welfare, he’s facing criticism for his connections to fashion designer Dennis Basso, who is infamous for selling luxury fur garments.

Following the tragic death of a carriage horse named Lady in Hell’s Kitchen, Bocker made a bold statement at a press conference, declaring, “There are no more horses suffering on the streets of New York City.” He seemed to express frustration over the ongoing issues with traffic and animal welfare in the city.

Interestingly enough, just a few months earlier, on December 6, 2023, Bocker had issued a declaration honoring Basso. This has led to accusations of hypocrisy, as Basso’s high-end stores specialize in fur from various animals—some of which are quite expensive, with certain items priced at hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In a photo taken at the event, Bocker appears jovial as he presents Basso with the honor, an image many have found contradictory given Basso’s involvement in the fur trade. The designer’s client list includes many celebrities, raising eyebrows about the councilman’s associations. Critics have pointed out that Bocker’s declaration seems at odds with his campaign against animal exploitation.

John Samuelsen, the chairman of the Transport Workers Union, didn’t hold back in his criticism of Bocker. He labeled him a “hypocrite,” asserting that while Bocker speaks against the horse carriage industry, he’s openly supportive of a figure like Basso, who profits from fur. Samuelsen’s remarks reflect a growing dissent, with claims that Bocker doesn’t genuinely care about animal rights.

Many in the carriage-driving community, like longtime driver Christina Hansen, echoed these sentiments, labeling Bocker a “hypocrite” for his support of the fur industry while arguing that the horse carriage operators treat their animals well. She emphasized, “Our horses are not harvested for their skin.”

Hansen also pointed out the discrepancy in the councilman’s actions, suggesting that animal rights activists would be outraged if they realized he backs fur sales. Preliminary autopsy findings on the deceased carriage horse indicated health issues unrelated to its treatment.

As the debate unfolds, various animal rights organizations are ramping up efforts against the fur trade, targeting both designers and retailers. While some fashion influencers have abandoned fur, Basso continues to market it to an affluent clientele. A proposed law aimed at banning fur sales is currently under discussion but faces strong opposition, particularly given the economic implications for businesses involved in fur retail.

Bocker has not responded to requests for comments regarding this contentious issue, but the tension around animal rights and fashion in New York City seems far from resolved.