The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) investigates reports of animal cruelty. New York State law defines animal cruelty as a situation where a person causes unjustified harm, pain, or suffering to an animal or neglects an animal's care by not providing it with proper food, water, medical care, or suitable shelter.

The ASPCA monitors carriage horses to make sure that they receive legally appropriate care and accepts reports of abuse or cruelty.