WAN Exclusive: Momentum Builds Behind Romanch’s Law As Calls Grow To End NYC’s Horse-Drawn Carriage Industry
A growing coalition of animal welfare advocates, elected officials, and New Yorkers is rallying behind Romanch’s Law (Intro 943), legislation supporters believe could finally bring an end to New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry after years of heartbreaking tragedies involving both horses and people.
Originally introduced as Ryder’s Law, the legislation was named in memory of Ryder, a carriage horse who collapsed and died while pulling tourists through Manhattan in 2022. The bill has since been renamed Romanch’s Law to honor 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who tragically lost his life following a runaway horse-drawn carriage incident in Central Park.
According to his family, Romanch jumped from the moving carriage in an attempt to save his mother after she fell onto the roadway. He later sadly succumbed to his injuries, a heartbreaking tragedy that has strengthened calls for meaningful change.
If enacted, Romanch’s Law would phase out New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry, help ensure the humane retirement of the city’s remaining carriage horses, and establish workforce transition and job training programs for drivers.
The legislation comes amid growing concern over the future of carriage horses following a series of tragic incidents, including the recent death of Deniz, a 16-year-old carriage horse who collapsed in Central Park. For many advocates, those tragedies have reinforced what they say is the urgent need to replace horse-drawn carriages with safer, more humane alternatives.
In an exclusive statement to World Animal News, Edita Birnkrant, Executive Director of NYCLASS, said:
“We are incredibly encouraged by the extraordinary momentum behind Romanch’s Law and deeply grateful to Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, the growing number of Council Members supporting the bill, and the advocates, animal welfare organizations, horse experts, and New Yorkers who have stood with us in this fight. After years of tireless advocacy and far too many tragedies, we truly believe this is our moment to finally end deadly and cruel horse-drawn carriages in New York City.
Above all, we are profoundly grateful to Romanch’s family, who, through unimaginable heartbreak, are courageously fighting to pass this law in their beloved son’s honor and prevent another family from enduring such a senseless tragedy.
We look forward to helping implement a compassionate retirement plan so these horses can finally leave the streets behind, run free, and receive the love and care they deserve.”
Supporters say the legislation represents an opportunity to finally close a chapter that has long raised concerns about both animal welfare and public safety, while giving New York City’s carriage horses the chance to retire with the dignity and compassion they deserve.
