A harnessed mare died while pulling a carriage in Manhattan. Authorities announce an investigation.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported Tuesday afternoon that a horse had died in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood in Manhattan. Officers found the animal unconscious and lying on the ground in the area of West 51st Street and 11th Avenue.

The horse—actually a 15-year-old mare named Lady—was transported to Clinton Park Stables on West 52nd Street. Unfortunately, her life could not be saved.

New York City Department of Health officials announced they will conduct an autopsy and a full investigation to determine the animal's cause of death.

Animal rights group NYCLASS reported that Lady was working last week during a heatwave. During Tuesday's ride, she reportedly began shaking suddenly and then collapsed.

The stable assures that after arriving in the city in June, the mare underwent a full veterinary examination, which revealed no abnormalities. "Unfortunately, animals – just like people – sometimes die suddenly and unexpectedly," the animal's owners said in a statement.

Lady's death reignited debate over the future of horse-drawn carriages in New York City. City Councilman Robert Holden called the industry "cruel and outdated" and called for the passage of "Ryder's Law," which would completely ban the use of horse-drawn carriages in the city.

Ed. JŁ