NYC Carriage Horses Poised for Sanctuary Retirement as Council Weighs Ban
Legislation could end the industry by 2028, offering the city's nearly 160 horses a life of leisure at equine sanctuaries.
New York City's carriage horses may soon be trading Central Park for greener pastures as the City Council considers legislation that would ban the industry by June 2028. The proposed bill, known as Romanch's Law, aims to retire the city's approximately 160 carriage horses to sanctuaries across the country.
Advocates are preparing for the horses' transition, with a network of equine rescues forming The Carriage Horse Retirement Coalition. Allison Bowling, executive director of Red Feather Equine Sanctuary in North Carolina, described sanctuaries as akin to "senior living communities" for horses, offering them freedom to choose their activities, companions, and rest. Some horses enjoy trail walks and swimming, while others prefer to relax in fields with friends. Some may also participate in enrichment programs with human interaction or educational activities for at-risk youth.
Bowling emphasized that horses in sanctuaries are never forced into activities they do not enjoy. "I think work is 100% a human construct," she stated. "I think that there are horses who enjoy engagement and being challenged or learning new things and spending time with humans. And I think there are horses who don’t."
This perspective contrasts with arguments from carriage drivers, who assert that their horses enjoy their work and deny claims of animal abuse. The Carriage Horse Retirement Coalition is working with the city to ensure a humane disposition for the animals.
If the bill passes, carriage owners will be required to notify the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare before transferring a horse, ensuring each animal is moved to a safe location. The city is also considering a program that could include financial compensation for carriage owners, although the bill does not guarantee it. The Mamdani administration and City Council Speaker Julie Menin are expected to establish a transition team to aid in finding new homes for the horses. Some sanctuaries have already offered to take in the animals.
One advocate shared an anecdote about a horse rescued after 20 years in the carriage industry and on a farm. The horse, found malnourished and nearly blind, bonded with another rescued horse, finding comfort and safety. "It’s probably the first time in his life that he’s ever felt true emotional and physical safety," Bowling said.
The plan for the horses' retirement will be fully developed only if the bill is passed by the City Council.