BREAKING NEWS: New York City Council Passes Romanch’s Law To End Horse-Drawn Carriages

Photo Credit: WAN

In a historic victory for animal welfare, the New York City Council⁠ voted on October 22 to pass Romanch’s Law⁠, paving the way to end the city’s controversial horse-drawn carriage industry by June 1, 2028.

The measure, which passed with the support of 40 Council Members and now awaits the mayor’s signature, follows decades of advocacy by animal welfare organizations and concerned citizens calling for stronger protections for New York City’s carriage horses.

Under the legislation, existing horse-drawn carriage licenses will expire on May 31, 2028, bringing regular carriage operations to an end. The measure also includes important protections for the horses, prohibiting their sale or transfer for slaughter or use in another horse-drawn carriage business. Horse owners will also be required to notify city officials at least 10 business days before selling or transferring their horses.

Additionally, the city must develop a transition plan by April 1, 2027, to assist carriage drivers, stable workers, and others employed by the industry. The plan will include career counseling, job placement assistance, workforce training opportunities, and a program to help owners find suitable homes for their horses.

The legislation is named in memory of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan⁠, who tragically died on June 17, 2026, after being thrown from a runaway horse-drawn carriage in Central Park.

Just eight days earlier, on June 9, a carriage horse named Deniz⁠ collapsed and died during a ride in Central Park, highlighting ongoing concerns about the welfare of horses working on New York City’s busy streets.

For years, organizations including NYCLASS⁠ and Voters For Animal Rights⁠, alongside numerous other animal welfare groups and dedicated advocates, have worked tirelessly to bring an end to horse-drawn carriage operations in the city.

The Council’s decision represents a significant milestone in those efforts and brings the city closer to ending a practice that has raised serious concerns about animal welfare and public safety.

World Animal News and Peace 4 Animals applaud the countless organizations and advocates whose dedication helped make this long-awaited victory possible. We pray that every horse will have the opportunity to retire to a peaceful, loving home where they can live out the rest of their lives with the care and compassion they deserve.