New York City Council Votes to Ban Horse Carriages
The New York City Council voted 40-7 on Thursday October 22. The measure would end horse-drawn carriage rides by June 2028.
Supporters cited safety, animal-welfare concerns and crowding. The bill seeks humane horse retirement and help for workers.
The City Council said a June 2026 runaway-carriage death prompted its push. The person who died was 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan.
Drivers threatened a lawsuit and the Transport Workers Union threatened court action. Reports put the tradition at about 160 to nearly 170 years old.
Klear Note — Federal court action means asking a US court to review the ban.
Key Terms 1
- Transport Workers Union A labor union representing transit and transportation workers.