New York City Council passes bill to ban horse-drawn carriage rides within 2 years
Updated on: October 22, 2026 / 11:40 PM EDT / CBS New York
TL;DR
- New York City Council passed a bill banning horse-drawn carriage rides by June 2028.
- The legislation, named Romanch's Law, was inspired by a fatal carriage accident.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani is expected to sign the bill, with protections for industry workers and owners planned.
- The ban marks the end of a tradition over 160 years old in Central Park.
- Carriage owners argue the ban unfairly impacts their long-established businesses and are considering legal action.
- The Transport Workers Union believes a judge will overturn the legislation, citing a lack of required economic impact analysis.
- Supporters highlight animal welfare and public safety concerns due to the carriages operating in crowded areas.
- The bill requires a transition plan for workers and humane placement for the animals by 2027.