New York City has agreed to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park by June 1, 2028, following a legislative deal between Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin. The ban, set for a vote on Oct. 22, follows years of advocacy from animal rights groups and public safety concerns. The legislation mandates humane treatment of the horses, prohibiting sale for slaughter or transfer to other carriage companies.
Currently, 68 carriages operate in the park, employing around 150 drivers and over 180 horses. The push for the ban intensified after the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who fell from a carriage in June. A Central Park Conservancy poll found 68% public support for the ban.
The bill includes provisions to help drivers transition to new jobs and requires a support plan by April 2027, though financial compensation is not guaranteed. Industry representatives warn of financial strain and lack of funding for horse care post-ban.
Source: Bloomberg Markets · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing