New York City Council has voted to ban horse-drawn carriages from city streets and Central Park beginning in June 2028.
The council’s vote will end the historic tourist attraction and long-standing industry in the world-famous park.
Of the city’s 51 lawmakers, 40 supported the bill, backed by Democrat Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who earlier this month said the horse-drawn carriage industry would end.
Meanwhile, seven council members voted against it and two abstained.
Support for the ban grew after the death this summer of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist from India.
The teenager was thrown from a carriage and died on June 17, when the horse bolted after the driver stepped away to take a picture of hisfamily.
The bill officially requires the city to develop a workforce transition plan by April and to consider a program to compensate carriage operators for their businesses and help with the disposition of their horses.
Under the proposal, the horses cannot be slaughtered.
One critic of the bill was President Donald Trump, who expressed scepticism about the ban.
The President, who has both attacked Mayor Mamdani and held cordial meetings with him, said: “When there is a car accident in the area, of which there are many, they don’t stop cars from entering the Park.
“So why would they stop the Carriages? It was a Great Tradition. Another piece of History that’s gone. It will be missed!”
The day before the vote, the Transport Workers Union, which represents carriage business owners and drivers, said that if the bill is enacted, it will seek a temporary restraining order from a court “the minute the ink dries.”
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An open letter sent to New York City Corporation Counsel Steve Banks said: “This may be the first time in City history that a previously licensed profession was banned.
“The proposed bill deprives the owner of all economically beneficial or productive use of their property.”
Meanwhile, environmental campaigners welcomed the bill and thanked Mayor Mamdani for endorsing the campaign.
Peta Director Ashley Byrne said, “It’s the end of the road for a vile industry that has forced horses to haul heavy carriages through chaotic traffic and punishing weather until they collapsed and died.”
She said: “Peta salutes her determination, thanks Mayor Mamdani for his stalwart support and his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, and is proud to mark this victory by putting up $50,000 to help these horses retire to greener pastures.”
City Council Speaker Julie Menin said: “Today, the City Council made history. Our landmark vote to pass Romanch’s Law is a demonstration of this Council’s commitment to animal welfare, public safety, and worker protection.”
After the bill was passed, Mr Mahajan’s uncle spoke outside City Hall Thursday and vowed that he will never be forgotten.
Supporters of the ban maintain that 80 per cent of New Yorkers want the activity to end.
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