New York City Bans Horse-Drawn Carriages

Source reports published 23 Oct 2026, 8:43 am – 12:20 pm AEST

The New York City Council voted to ban horse-drawn carriages from streets and Central Park, effective June 2028. This decision followed the death of a tourist and concerns about animal welfare, with a transition plan being developed for carriage drivers.

What happened

• The New York City Council, comprising 51 members with 40 voting in favor and 7 against, passed legislation to ban horse-drawn carriages from the city streets and Central Park, effective June 2028.
• This decision followed the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who was thrown from a runaway carriage in Central Park on June 17th.
• The legislation, named Romanch’s Law, aims to phase out the industry, requiring the Mayor’s administration to develop a transition program for over 150 active carriage drivers.
• The plan includes job training, career counseling, and employment referrals.
• Critics, including animal rights group PETA, highlighted concerns about animal welfare and the dangers posed by the carriages.
• President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about the ban, stating that the horse-drawn carriage was "a quintessential New York experience."
• The Transport Workers Union (TWU) threatened a lawsuit and a temporary restraining order if the ban was enacted.
• The bill also includes provisions to prevent the slaughter of the approximately 200 horses involved and mandates the development of a workforce transition plan by April, with consideration for compensation for carriage operators.
• The Central Park Conservancy supported the ban citing public health and safety concerns.

Original reporting

• ABC: New York City bans horse-drawn carriages from 2028
  2026-10-23T02:20:12+00:00
• Fox News: NYC votes to end nearly 170-year-old horse carriage tradition as Trump blasts ban, drivers threaten lawsuit
  2026-10-22T23:32:56+00:00
• Washington Examiner: New York City votes to end century-old horse-drawn carriage industry
  2026-10-22T22:43:47+00:00
• GB News: New York City Council officially votes to ban 'historic' horse-drawn carriages
  2026-10-23T00:01:57+00:00