NYC Council Votes To Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages In Central Park By 2028
1 day ago
New York City's horse-drawn carriage industry is coming to an end after the City Council voted Thursday to ban the longstanding Central Park attraction.
The council approved the legislation in a 40-7 vote, with two members abstaining. The measure, known as Romanch's Law, would phase out horse-drawn carriage operations throughout the city by June 1, 2028.
The legislation follows the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, a tourist from India who was killed in June after being thrown from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park.
According to investigators, the horse bolted, causing the carriage to collide with another carriage and overturn. Mahajan's death renewed concerns about the safety of carriage rides in one of the city's most popular tourist destinations.
The legislation is named in his honor.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani supports the ban and has indicated he intends to sign the measure into law.
Supporters of the legislation, including animal welfare organizations and Central Park advocates, argue that horse-drawn carriages pose safety risks to passengers, pedestrians and the animals themselves.
However, the decision has drawn strong opposition from carriage drivers and business owners who say the ban threatens their livelihoods and a tradition dating back more than 160 years.
The Transport Workers Union, which represents approximately 150 carriage drivers, has threatened an immediate legal challenge.
Union representatives argue that the legislation could deprive carriage owners of their businesses and operating licenses without adequate compensation.
The measure requires the city to establish a workforce transition program to assist affected employees. The program would include job training, career counseling and assistance finding new employment.
City officials must develop the transition plan by April 2027. The legislation also calls for consideration of financial compensation for carriage operators.
The bill includes provisions intended to ensure the humane treatment and placement of carriage horses as the industry winds down. It prohibits selling the animals for slaughter.
President Donald Trump also criticized the decision, describing horse-drawn carriage rides as a longstanding New York tradition and questioning why the city would eliminate the industry following an accident.
The legislation now heads to Mamdani for his signature.
If enacted, the ban will bring an end to one of Central Park's most recognizable attractions while setting up a potential legal battle over the future of the industry.
The council approved the legislation in a 40-7 vote, with two members abstaining. The measure, known as Romanch's Law, would phase out horse-drawn carriage operations throughout the city by June 1, 2028.
The legislation follows the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, a tourist from India who was killed in June after being thrown from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park.
According to investigators, the horse bolted, causing the carriage to collide with another carriage and overturn. Mahajan's death renewed concerns about the safety of carriage rides in one of the city's most popular tourist destinations.
The legislation is named in his honor.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani supports the ban and has indicated he intends to sign the measure into law.
Supporters of the legislation, including animal welfare organizations and Central Park advocates, argue that horse-drawn carriages pose safety risks to passengers, pedestrians and the animals themselves.
However, the decision has drawn strong opposition from carriage drivers and business owners who say the ban threatens their livelihoods and a tradition dating back more than 160 years.
The Transport Workers Union, which represents approximately 150 carriage drivers, has threatened an immediate legal challenge.
Union representatives argue that the legislation could deprive carriage owners of their businesses and operating licenses without adequate compensation.
The measure requires the city to establish a workforce transition program to assist affected employees. The program would include job training, career counseling and assistance finding new employment.
City officials must develop the transition plan by April 2027. The legislation also calls for consideration of financial compensation for carriage operators.
The bill includes provisions intended to ensure the humane treatment and placement of carriage horses as the industry winds down. It prohibits selling the animals for slaughter.
President Donald Trump also criticized the decision, describing horse-drawn carriage rides as a longstanding New York tradition and questioning why the city would eliminate the industry following an accident.
The legislation now heads to Mamdani for his signature.
If enacted, the ban will bring an end to one of Central Park's most recognizable attractions while setting up a potential legal battle over the future of the industry.
