Liam Neeson - Neeson Supports Horse-Carriage Industry

LIAM NEESON has blasted a new bill aiming to ban the horse-drawn carriage industry in New York, insisting the iconic buggies are an "integral" part of city life.

The Irish-born actor, who now resides in the Big Apple, has written a letter to the City Council against the proposed movement, which would rid Central Park of its hansom cabs, reports the Irish Echo.

He writes, "As a horse lover and rider, I am deeply disturbed by the unnecessary and misguided political and extreme rhetoric against the horse-drawn carriage industry.

"As a proud New York resident, I have personally enjoyed the beauty of Central Park on a daily basis for many years, and these horses are an undeniable integral part of that experience."

Neeson isn't the only star to weigh in on the controversial matter - his fellow actor Alec Baldwin joined forces with activists People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in 2008 to promote their film Blinders, which documents the industry's harmful effects on equines.

Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde and pop star Pink have also loaned their star power to PETA's campaign against the industry.

A legislation hearing is scheduled to be held on 30 January (09).