On 8th June 2023, a tragic incident unfolded in Central Park, New York City, when a 16-year-old carriage horse collapsed and died during a routine ride. The distressing event has ignited a renewed push for legislation known as Ryder’s Law, which seeks to prohibit horse-drawn carriages throughout New York City, an issue that has garnered increasing attention from both local residents and animal rights advocates.
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According to reports, the incident took place shortly before 7.30 p.m. when emergency services were summoned to respond to reports of a deceased horse near West Drive and West 72nd Street. The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed that upon their arrival, they spoke with the carriage driver, who indicated that the horse, named Deniz, had suffered a medical episode. Authorities have stated that there was no indication of criminal activity, and the circumstances surrounding the horse’s death are currently under investigation.
The driver, Nurettin Kirbiyik, shared his immediate shock and despair, recounting how the horse fell without warning. “The horse fell down in one second,” Kirbiyik told CBS New York. “I just came out. I tried to take it out and make the horse free to get up, and he died in two seconds.” As of now, the exact cause of Deniz’s death has not been determined.
The incident has further intensified the ongoing debate surrounding the welfare of carriage horses in the city, especially following a series of similar occurrences in recent years. Animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) quickly reacted, sharing footage of the deceased horse on social media and amplifying their call for Ryder’s Law. The legislation, named after a horse that collapsed in Manhattan last year, aims to end the use of carriage horses in the city altogether.
PETA’s message was both urgent and poignant, stating, “City Council, what more do you need? Central Park goers are crying and hugging after seeing this traumatic death for all involved.” The group plans to demonstrate outside City Hall, demanding immediate action to pass the law.
Witnesses to the event expressed their horror and concern. Clara Bermudez, who was jogging in the area, noted seeing the horse struggling for breath before it ultimately collapsed. Another onlooker, Danielle Leean Chin, stated, “I was just walking my dog and saw a dead horse on the path… this is the second incident that I’ve seen in 10 months.”
The reaction from the City Council has been measured, with officials acknowledging the emotional weight of such incidents. A spokesperson for the Council remarked on the challenges posed by the ongoing debate, emphasising that multiple bills related to the treatment of carriage horses would soon be introduced, allowing for community and stakeholder input.
In a prior ruling, the City Council’s Committee on Health had voted against Ryder’s Law in November 2025. However, renewed efforts are now underway from organisations advocating for animal welfare. The group New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS) plans to rally once again at City Hall in an attempt to reintroduce the law in light of recent events.
The Executive Director of NYCLASS, Edita Birnkrant, voiced her concerns poignantly, stating, “This is a nightmare. Our message to the Speaker, Julie Menin, the City Council, and the mayor is that we have got to pass Ryder’s Law this year. We’ve had another horse drop dead in an agonising death, and an alarming number of violent incidents have occurred.”
The Central Park Conservancy has been contacted for further comment regarding the incident and the ongoing issues surrounding carriage horse welfare in the city. As the call for legislative action grows louder, the future of horse-drawn carriages in New York remains a contentious topic among residents, animal rights activists, and city officials alike. The fate of Ryder’s Law will likely hinge on public sentiment and the outcomes of upcoming legislative discussions.