New York to Ban Central Park Horse Carriages
AM730 · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
New York City Council has passed legislation to phase out horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park, with a full ban taking effect on June 1, 2028. The measure would end a tradition dating back to the 19th century, described by the sources as more than 150 years old and over 160 years old. Supporters say the ban is needed to improve horse welfare and public safety after a fatal accident involving an 18-year-old Indian tourist in June. Drivers and their union, however, say the city has not yet provided clear compensation and warn that many livelihoods will be hit.
Key Points
- The council-approved measure will gradually end carriage rides in Central Park and fully prohibit operations from June 1, 2028.
- Source reports say about 150 carriage drivers fear job losses, while another report says roughly 200 drivers and union members are alarmed.
- The legislation is named the Romanch law after Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old Indian tourist killed in a June carriage accident
- Supporters cite growing congestion from pedestrians, cyclists and other park users, arguing mixed traffic raises accident risks in the park.
- The city must prepare transition support, including job counseling, training and plans to rehome retired horses without sending them to slaughter.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the dispute shows how cities are increasingly forced to weigh tourism traditions against animal welfare and public-safety expectations. It also underlines a recurring policy challenge: when governments retire long-standing attractions, the political difficulty often shifts from principle to compensation, retraining and what happens to affected workers and animals.