Liam Neeson chides NYC mayor on horse carriages

Associated Press
File-This Sept. 10, 2013 file photo shows actor Liam Neeson smiling during a press conference for "Third Person" at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto. Neeson says he's "a little bit pissed off" at Mayor Bill de Blasio for wanting to shut down the horse-drawn carriage industry in New York City. Neeson made the comment during an appearance on "The Daily Show" Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014. The actor complained to host John Stewart that critics have put out false information about how the horses are treated. He says the carriage drivers treat the horses like their own children. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Galit Rodan, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Liam Neeson says he's "a little bit pissed off" at Mayor Bill de Blasio for wanting to shut down the horse-drawn carriage industry in New York City.

The actor made the comment during a Wednesday appearance on "The Daily Show." The actor complained to host Jon Stewart that critics have put out false information about how the horses are treated. He says the carriage drivers treat the horses like their own children.

De Blasio has declared his intention to shut down the industry, saying it's inhumane to keep horses in modern-day Manhattan. The democrat wants to replace them with electric cars.

Carriage drivers say shutting down the stables would have the unintended effect of eliminating a rare outlet for surplus horses, which means they'll be sent to the slaughterhouse faster.