Horse-drawn NYC carriage rides to end by 2028

New York City lawmakers have passed a bill to ban horse-drawn carriage rides by June 2028, citing public safety and animal welfare concerns. 

The City Council approved the legislation 40-7 on Thursday following a fatal carriage accident in Central Park in June that claimed the life of an 18-year-old man. His family attended the council vote and backed the ban, hoping to prevent similar tragedies.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office confirmed that he would sign the bill. The legislation gives officials nearly two years to develop a transition plan for the industry. However, it offers few concrete details about compensation for workers and owners or the future of approximately 180 carriage horses.

Supporters say the ban will protect visitors, workers and animals. City Council Speaker Julie Menin noted that about 42 million people visit Central Park annually, making carriage operations a safety concern in its crowded areas. She also cited past incidents in which frightened horses broke free.

However, carriage owners oppose the move, arguing that it threatens family businesses built over generations. Some owners have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in their operations and want the city to provide fair compensation and consult them before implementing the ban.

Transport Workers Union Local 100 has threatened to challenge the ban in court, arguing that the legislation fails to protect workers’ livelihoods. Opponents also question whether officials can find suitable homes for retired horses.

The ban would end a tradition in Central Park that has lasted more than 160 years.