New York Council Expected to Pass Horse-Drawn Carriage Ban
New York City lawmakers are moving to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park amid animal-safety concerns, but drivers warn the change threatens their livelihoods.
At a glance
- New York City lawmakers are expected to vote on a ban for horse-drawn carriages in Central Park.
- The proposed ban would start in June 2028 and is backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- About 200 horse-drawn carriage drivers in Central Park fear for their incomes and animal welfare.
New York City lawmakers are expected to vote on a ban on horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. The proposal would take effect in June 2028 and is supported by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. It follows animal and public-safety concerns, including horse deaths and a deadly carriage accident.
After the city's vote this week, horse-drawn carriage driver Alexus Lawson said she was worried about what would happen to her horse. She has driven in Manhattan's Central Park for six years. About 200 such drivers are estimated to work in the park.
The planned ban, sometimes called Romanch's Law after a New York tourist who died when a horse bolted, would start in June 2028. The city council held a hearing in July. The proposal includes an industry transition framework with potential job placement, training, career counselling and financial compensation, officials said.
But some drivers opposed the plan. Medet Fidan, a driver for 12 years, said he was devoted to his horse and disputed claims of mistreatment. He said officials were passing the ban without talking directly to drivers. The Transport Workers Union said the plan lacked guarantees, including compensation, and warned workers could be economically wiped out.
Lawson pointed out that New York City carriages were the most regulated in the country. The Central Park Conservancy said there had been seven horse-related incidents in 13 months. The Manhattan Borough President's office said 40 horses working in Central Park had died since 1982.
The council is expected to vote on Thursday. The bill forbids selling horses for slaughter or similar work. The proposal faces expected council approval. Supporters include animal-rights activists and Mayor Mamdani. Opponents include drivers and some New Yorkers who said the tradition was part of the city's culture.
Source: BBC World.
Questions and answers
- When will New York ban horse-drawn carriages?
- The proposed ban would start in June 2028 if approved by the New York City Council.
- Why are New York lawmakers banning horse-drawn carriages?
- Officials cited animal and public-safety concerns, including horse deaths and a fatal carriage accident.
- What happens to horse-drawn carriage drivers?
- The city proposed a transition framework with job placement, training and compensation, but the Transport Workers Union said it lacked guarantees.
