OMM Newsroom
New York City Council voted on Thursday to ban horse-drawn carriages from Central Park and city streets starting June 1, 2028, ending a tradition of more than 160 years amid concerns about animal welfare and public safety. Anadolu Agency reported the vote.
The council approved the legislation, known as Romanch’s Law, by a veto-proof majority of 40-7, with two abstentions, after years of debate over the city’s horse-drawn carriage industry. Council Member Christopher Marte sponsored the bill.
The law 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 prepare a workforce transition plan by April 1, 2027. It must include employment assistance, career counselling and training opportunities for affected workers. The city may also consider compensation for carriage owners, but payments are not guaranteed.
The measure includes protections for retired horses, barring their sale or transfer for slaughter or other inhumane purposes while allowing owners to keep them.
The bill now goes to Mayor Zohran Mamdani. His office said on Thursday that he intends to sign it while ensuring protections for workers and business owners affected by the ban.
Carriage operators and the Transport Workers Union have opposed the decision. The union has threatened legal action, arguing the legislation would threaten livelihoods and deprive owners of their businesses.
Horse-drawn carriages have operated in Central Park since 1858. They initially provided transportation and later became one of New York City’s most popular tourist attractions.
