New York City Council passes law to ban horse-drawn carriages

The New York City Council has passed Romanch’s Law, which mandates the end of horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park by 2028. The legislation follows the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan this summer, who died after falling from a runaway carriage near Tavern on the Green.

Proponents of the ban argue that the practice is inherently abusive, citing respiratory and leg problems caused by high pavement contact, noise, and extreme weather. Data indicates that carriage horses in the city have a significantly shorter lifespan, averaging four years, compared to the 14 to 15 years seen in NYPD horses. Since 1982, 40 horses have died while working in the city.

Critics of the measure, including carriage drivers and some political figures, argue the ban threatens local tradition and jobs. The law passed the council with a 40 to 7 vote, clearing the way for Mayor Zohran Mamdani to sign the bill into law.