Deniz, Central Park carriage horse, dies after eating toxic Japanese yew

Deniz, a 16‑year‑old horse used for carriage rides in New York’s Central Park, collapsed and died during a tour after ingesting Japanese yew, a highly poisonous ornamental plant. A preliminary necropsy by Cornell University specialists indicated the toxin caused sudden cardiac arrest.

The incident has reignited debate over the safety of horses in the park. The carriage drivers’ union blames park management for allowing toxic plants to grow in areas frequented by the animals, while the Central Park Conservancy argues that operators are responsible for preventing horses from eating any vegetation. Animal‑rights groups are calling for a ban on horse‑drawn carriage tours, whereas industry representatives maintain that the death was an isolated accident unrelated to working conditions.