Our Bureau
New York, NY
New York City has voted to end its more than 150-year-old horse-drawn carriage tradition, following the death of an Indian teenager in Central Park earlier this year.
The City Council approved the legislation, known as Romanch’s Law, by 40 votes to seven, with two members abstaining. The ban is scheduled to take effect in June 2028, subject to the legislative process.
The decision follows the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who was fatally injured on June 17 after a horse pulling his family’s carriage bolted while the driver had stepped away to take a photograph. The incident intensified concerns about passenger safety and animal welfare.
Supporters of the ban argue that horse-drawn carriages pose risks in crowded urban spaces and that horses should not be exposed to traffic and potentially dangerous conditions. Animal welfare advocates have also highlighted previous incidents involving runaway horses.
However, the proposed ban has drawn opposition from carriage operators and workers, who fear losing their livelihoods. Their union has threatened legal action against the legislation.
The city plans to develop a transition programme to assist affected workers and explore compensation for operators. The legislation also includes safeguards against selling the horses for slaughter.
The decision marks a significant change to one of New York City’s longstanding tourist attractions, bringing public safety, animal welfare and workers’ rights into focus.