New York City Council is expected to vote on legislation to outlaw horse-drawn carriages in the city, a move that has the support of both the council speaker and the mayor. The ban, which could take effect as early as June 2028, follows a recent incident where a teenager died after falling from a carriage and ongoing concerns about the treatment of the horses.
Council Speaker Julie Menin stated that the bill, named Romanch's Law, will be presented for a vote on October 22. "Horse-drawn carriages have long been part of New York City's history, but in an increasingly busy Central Park, this tradition has become a growing public safety liability," Menin said in a statement. "Next week, the Council will take decisive action by voting on [this bill] to protect New Yorkers, visitors, and the horses themselves."
The proposed legislation includes a framework for transitioning individuals involved in the horse-drawn carriage industry. A spokesperson for the mayor confirmed that plans are being developed to assist those affected, aiming for a "just transition that protects workers while ending horse-drawn carriages in Central Park once and for all." This framework may include job placement assistance, training, career counseling, and financial compensation. The bill also stipulates that horses cannot be sold for slaughter or for similar purposes.
This is not the first attempt to ban the industry. In 2014, then-Mayor Bill de Blasio advocated for a ban, citing animal welfare concerns and proposing electric cars as an alternative. However, his administration ultimately implemented new rules restricting where carriages could pick up tourists.
The recent death of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old visitor from India, occurred in June when the horse pulling his carriage bolted, causing him to fall. His father recounted the incident to the city council, describing the intense fear experienced inside the carriage. This year also saw the death of a carriage horse named Dennis in Central Park after consuming a toxic plant.
Some industry representatives, such as the Transport Workers Union, which states it represents 300 horse-carriage drivers and owners, have opposed the ban. They argue that the horses are well-cared for and that the industry provides employment for hundreds of people.
Last year, the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit managing the park, announced its support for banning horse-drawn carriages. The conservancy's president wrote in a letter that with increasing park visitation, the ban has become a matter of public health and safety for park visitors.