Politics · United States · 58 mins ago
New York City votes to ban horse-drawn carriages from June 2028
New York City's Council voted to ban horse-drawn carriages on city streets and in Central Park from June 2028.
The vote was 40 in favour, seven against and two abstentions, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani has backed the bill.
The phase-out follows the death of 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan in June, after a horse bolted and threw him from a carriage.
The rides have been a long-running tourist attraction, while animal rights activists have pushed for their end for decades.
The city must create a program to help drivers find other work before the ban takes effect; the bill also bars sending the horses to slaughter.
The drivers' union says it will challenge the ban in court, arguing that it harms drivers' rights and does not guarantee compensation for their carriage licenses.
The carriages can keep operating until June 2028, but the bill's final steps, including the mayor's signing, remain ahead.
New York City Council voted on October 22 to ban horse-drawn carriages, with the phaseout set to take effect by June 2028.
The bill passed 40-7, with two members abstaining.
It was named Romanch’s Law after 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan, who died in June after a horse bolted and threw him from a carriage.
The legislation calls for a workforce transition program and protections to prevent retired carriage horses from being sent to slaughter.
The Transport Workers Union says it will challenge the ban in court, while Mayor Zohran Mamdani has backed the measure.
- Who
- New York City Council voted on the measure; it affects carriage workers and operators.
- What
- The council approved a ban on horse-drawn carriages, with the phaseout set for June 2028.
- When
- The vote took place on October 22, 2026; the ban is due to take effect by June 2028.
- Where
- New York City, including Central Park.
- Why
- Supporters cited safety concerns and the death of tourist Romanch Mahajan. The vote also followed decades of debate over the carriage industry.
New York City Council and ban supporters
Transport Workers Union and carriage-industry supporters
Ban
New York City Council and ban supporters
The council approved a phaseout, with supporters citing safety risks and the death of Romanch Mahajan.
Transport Workers Union and carriage-industry supporters
The union and carriage supporters oppose the ban and say it threatens workers’ livelihoods.
Worker protections and compensation
New York City Council and ban supporters
The bill provides for a workforce transition program, including career counseling and job referrals.
Transport Workers Union and carriage-industry supporters
Opponents say the city has not guaranteed financial compensation for drivers and carriage owners.
Legal challenge
New York City Council and ban supporters
Council Speaker Julie Menin said the city would defend the law.
Transport Workers Union and carriage-industry supporters
The union says it will challenge the ban in court, arguing that it violates workers’ rights and laws.
Romanch Mahajan died after a horse bolted and threw him from a carriage.
The Transport Workers Union said it would seek a temporary restraining order if the bill passed.
New York City Council approved the ban by a vote of 40-7, with two abstentions.
The carriage industry is due to be phased out under the legislation.
- Council vote
- 40 in favor, 7 against, 2 abstentions
- Ban start
- June 2028
- Person named in bill
- Romanch Mahajan, 18
- Workforce transition
- Career counseling and employment referrals are included in the bill
- Horse protections
- The legislation prohibits sending retired carriage horses to slaughter
7 sources
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What people are saying
We're very confident in the legislation. That's why we took the time to work over the summer on the legislation,
The proposed Bill deprives the owner of all economically beneficial or productive use of their property.
There are people who are owed money on medallions, who have planned families, had children, bought houses, taken out loans,
So sad to see the beloved Central Park Horse-drawn Carriage Industry ending after over a Century, based largely on one tragic accident,