NYC Horse Carriage Ban Faces Legal Challenges, Lawsuit Expected

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's proposal to phase out the horse-drawn carriage industry is anticipated to face legal challenges, with one city councilwoman calling the legislation "unconstitutional." The New York City Council is scheduled to vote on Intro 943, also known as Romanch's Law, on Thursday. The bill aims to end the industry by June 1, 2028, and includes provisions for a transition plan for carriage drivers and the humane disposition of the horses.

Councilwoman Vickie Paladino stated that lawsuits are expected to be filed immediately if the bill passes, asserting, "Intro 943 is unconstitutional. Lawsuits are going to be filed immediately after this effort is passed. They're going to be tangled up in legalese."

The legislation is named in honor of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist who died in Central Park after a carriage reportedly ran away. Mahajan's mother was also injured in the incident.

Animal rights groups, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), support the proposed ban. However, Paladino criticized the move, arguing that it would jeopardize the livelihoods of carriage operators, many of whom are described as immigrants and small-business owners. "Let's remember that these owners represent a melting pot," Paladino said. "Their livelihood exists in and around the city."

Paladino also contended that eliminating horse-drawn carriages could negatively impact New York City's tourism and harm a historic tradition, calling it "a tremendous tourist attraction."

She further criticized proposed alternatives such as electric bicycles and scooters, suggesting they pose greater risks to pedestrians. "These scooters and these motorized bikes that go 20 miles an hour — these scooters that go 30 and 40 miles an hour, zigzagging throughout the park, with no license, no registration and no insurance," Paladino stated. "How many people get run over by those people?"

Paladino suggested that the Mamdani administration should focus on regulating e-bikes and scooters rather than banning the carriage industry. "If the Mamdani administration truly cared about public safety, why don’t they get a handle on the scooter and bike industry?" she questioned.

The union representing carriage workers has also indicated plans to challenge the ban in court if it is enacted into law. Mamdani's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.