New York City Council votes to ban horse-drawn carriages by 2028
- Legislation follows death of 18-year-old tourist in Central Park, includes measures to protect horses and support affected workers
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- Legislation follows death of 18-year-old tourist in Central Park, includes measures to protect horses and support affected workers
By Halis Sunnetci
ISTANBUL (AA) - The New York City Council voted Thursday to ban horse-drawn carriages from Central Park and city streets by June 2028, bringing an end to a tradition dating back more than 160 years amid concerns over animal welfare and public safety.
The council approved the legislation, known as Romanch's Law, by a veto-proof majority of 40-7, with two abstentions, following years of debate over the city's horse-drawn carriage industry.
The bill, sponsored by Council Member Christopher Marte, will prohibit horse-drawn carriage operations beginning June 1, 2028.
The legislation is named after Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old Indian tourist who died in June after being thrown from a runaway horse-drawn carriage in Central Park.
"Today, the City Council made history. Our landmark vote to pass Romanch's Law is a demonstration of this Council's commitment to animal welfare, public safety, and worker protection," Council Speaker Julie Menin said in a statement.
The legislation requires the city to develop a workforce transition plan by April 1, 2027, including employment assistance, career counseling and training opportunities for affected workers. It also allows for compensation for carriage owners to be considered, although no payments are guaranteed.
The measure also includes protections for retired horses, prohibiting their sale or transfer for slaughter or other inhumane purposes while allowing owners to retain their animals.
The bill now heads to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose office said Thursday that he intends to sign it while also ensuring protections for workers and business owners affected by the ban.
However, the decision has drawn opposition from carriage operators and the Transport Workers Union, which has threatened legal action, arguing that the legislation would threaten livelihoods and deprive owners of their businesses.
Horse-drawn carriages have operated in Central Park since 1858, initially serving as transportation before becoming one of New York City's most popular tourist attractions.
Halis Sünnetci