New York City to ban Central Park horse-drawn carriages by 2028

The New York City Council has passed legislation to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, effective June 2028. The decision, part of the ‘Romanti Law’, follows a fatal accident in June involving an 18-year-old tourist from India who was thrown from a carriage.

Proponents of the ban cite safety concerns and animal welfare issues. Records from the Central Park Conservancy indicate seven horse-related incidents in the last 13 months, including collisions and carriage overturns. Additionally, data from the Manhattan Borough President’s office shows that 40 horses working in the park have died since 1982 due to causes such as heatstroke and accidents.

Drivers and labor unions have expressed strong opposition, arguing that horses are working animals and that the ban threatens livelihoods. While the law prohibits selling the horses to slaughterhouses, it allows owners to continue caring for them, though concerns remain regarding the funding available for retired horses. The city plans to implement a transition program to assist the approximately 200 drivers facing job losses.