Liam Neeson blasted by animal rights group

Irish actor Liam Neeson has been blasted by bosses of a leading animal rights group for criticising a campaign to ban horse-drawn carriages from the streets of New York.

The Schindler's List star is strongly opposed to New York Mayor Bill de Blasio's plan to introduce legislation outlawing the popular tourist attraction near Central Park.

Neeson is adamant that mounts do not suffer from working in the city, and he fears the bill will rob carriage drivers of their livelihood.

However, a spokesman for Ireland's national animal rights group, Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN), has taken aim at the actor, claiming his views are "out of touch".

ARAN spokesman John Carmody says, "He may be able to act and string lines together, but when it comes to understanding the suffering horses endure in all weather extremes often in suffocating traffic fumes in the carriage trade, sadly Mr. Neeson has been a flop. The Irish public is commending Mayor de Blasio in his progressive efforts to retire this outdated industry in favor of a New York City that can hold its head up high with streets that do not harbor horse abuse."