Horse-drawn carriages, a nostalgic symbol of New York City, are set to disappear from the streets of Central Park following the recent passage of legislation designed to eliminate them by 2028. This significant change comes in the wake of tragic events including the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, which reignited discussions around the welfare of horses used for public carriage rides.
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On October 22, the New York City Council approved Romanch’s Law, an initiative aimed at phasing out horse-drawn carriages. The law is expected to take effect on June 1, 2028, pending the anticipated approval from Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Sneha Choudhary, a spokesperson for the mayor, emphasised that the administration is committed to ensuring that the transition is handled with care for both the horses and those working in the carriage industry.
Romanch’s Law, formerly known as Ryder’s Law, provides a two-year window for operators to facilitate the humane retirement and relocation of the horses currently employed in the carriages. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has welcomed the new legislation, highlighting the importance of ensuring the well-being of these animals as the industry winds down.
The history of horse-drawn carriages in New York City dates back to 1858, but in recent years, animal rights advocates have increasingly pushed back against this cherished tradition, arguing that it is no longer suitable for a modern urban environment. Council Member Lynn Schulman, who chairs the Committee on Health, remarked that while these carriages have been a part of the city’s past, New York has evolved significantly and the welfare of the animals must be prioritised.
The impetus for this legislative shift was compounded by two incidents in June: the tragic death of Romanch Mahajan, who fell from a carriage, and the collapse of a horse pulling a carriage, raising concerns over the safety of both passengers and horses alike. These events prompted a fresh wave of scrutiny regarding the use of carriage horses as a form of entertainment.
Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA, expressed that the risks inherent in the horse-drawn carriage industry compromise the quality of life for the horses involved. He stated, “Forcing horses to pull carriages through New York City’s busy, loud streets is unsafe.” Bershadker welcomed the new law as a significant step forward after decades of debate surrounding animal welfare and public safety.
The sentiment has been echoed by other animal welfare organisations. Kitty Block, president of Humane World for Animals, described the council’s vote as a pivotal moment in the campaign for animal rights. She argued that the operation of the horse-drawn carriage industry has perpetuated a false narrative about the role of horses in contemporary society, stating that animals should not merely be viewed as symbols of a bygone era but recognised as sentient beings with their own needs and rights.
Block commended the City Council for recognising that long-held traditions should not come at the expense of animal welfare, affirming that this decision reflects the evolving values of New York City.
Mayor Mamdani now has a crucial 30-day window to either sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without action. With strong public support and advocacy from leading animal rights groups, there seems to be considerable pressure on the mayor to endorse this progressive move towards a more humane treatment of animals within the urban landscape.
As New York City prepares for this significant transition, the focus will be not only on the dissolution of horse-drawn carriages but also on ensuring that the horses involved are treated with dignity and care as they enter retirement. The city’s shift away from this historic practice reflects a broader societal change in how animals are viewed and treated, as communities increasingly recognise the importance of compassion and ethical treatment in urban settings.