Breaking: New York City Moves To Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages As Council Schedules October 22 Vote
Photo Credit: WAN
In a major development for animal welfare, New York City is moving closer to ending its controversial horse-drawn carriage industry following years of advocacy to protect horses from the dangers of crowded city streets.
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin announced on October 14 that the Council will vote on October 22 on Romanch’s Law, legislation that would ban horse-drawn carriage operations beginning June 1, 2028.
The proposed ban follows the tragic death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who died on June 17 following an incident involving a runaway horse-drawn carriage in Central Park. Just eight days earlier, Deniz, a 16-year-old carriage horse, collapsed and died while pulling a carriage in the park.
If passed, the legislation would prohibit carriage horses from being sold or transferred for slaughter or for use in another horse-drawn carriage business. It would also provide assistance to owners seeking humane placement for their horses and establish employment transition programs for affected workers.
Council Member Lynn Schulman, Chair of the Committee on Health, stated:
“Our city’s streets have become increasingly congested, making it less safe for the horses, and we must take these risks seriously.”
Steve Nislick, co-founder and President of New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets (NYCLASS), stated:
“This legislation means so much to those who have spent years fighting with us to protect horses and prevent tragedy.”
Edita Birnkrant, Executive Director of NYCLASS, also addressed the tragedy that intensified calls to end the horse-drawn carriage industry, stating:
“Romanch’s death was a heartbreaking loss that laid bare the devastating consequences of this deadly industry.”
NYCLASS has announced a public rally on Thursday, October 15, at 4:30 p.m. on the steps of New York City Hall, where Speaker Menin and supportive Council members are expected to share further details about the proposed ban.
The upcoming vote represents an important milestone in the longstanding effort to end horse-drawn carriage operations in New York City and protect horses from the dangers of working on busy urban streets.
World Animal News and Peace 4 Animals will continue following this important development.
