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Actor Liam Neeson has waded into a debate about banning horse-drawn carriages in New York's Central Park to defend the popular tourist experience.

The Irishman has defended the quintessential Central Park experience, criticising the city's new Mayor Bill de Blasio, who has confirmed he aims to ban the practice this year.

Animal rights groups - backed by celebrities including Alec Baldwin, Lea Michele and Miley Cyrus - have claimed that the tradition is cruel and inhumane to the horses, forcing them to pull heavy loads and negotiate New York traffic.

Controversial: The tradition of a horse and carriage ride through Central Park is under threat

But Neeson, who has lived in the city for 20 years, has hit back, defending the 'proud' workers and their spotless record for looking after their animals.

Opinionated: Liam Neeson has waded into the debate to defend the workers in Central Park

The actor, who grew up with horses in Ireland, penned a strongly-worded piece in the New York Times stating that 'an entire way of life and a historic industry are under threat'.

Neeson goes on to defend the safety record of the handlers and their horses who have to adhere to rigorous regulations to work in the city's park.

He explained: 'New York's horse carriages have made an estimated six million trips in traffic over the last 30 years. In that time, just four horses have been killed as a result of collisions with motor vehicles, with no human fatalities.'

The Hollywood star also added that workers took great pride in being part of such a strong tradition in the city.

Neeson wrote: 'A majority of carriage drivers and stable hands are recent immigrants, often raised on farms in their home countries. They love their jobs and their horses, and they take pride in being ambassadors for this great city.'

He even goes as far as to question whether the industry is really being threatened because real estate moguls are eyeing up the valuable stables for development.

He questions whether 'local colour and grit' should be thrown out to be replaced by a 'sanitised metropolis' and futuristic buildings.

Protests: PETA and New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets (NYCLASS) demonstrate against the horse-drawn carriage industry

Ambassadors: Neeson praises the handlers who are proud to represent their city to tourists

With a 150-year history and given special mention when Central Park first became an official city landmark in 1974, the traditional horse and carriage ride is a huge tourist draw.

Neeson argues that the experience is a 'signature element' of New York's culture and history and agrees with media strategist Ken Frydman, who is advising the drivers, that they should be designated a living landmark.

However, PETA and a group called New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets (NYCLASS) have led demonstrations against the horse-drawn carriage industry, claiming it is unsafe.