NYC Council Approves Ban on Horse-Drawn Carriages

The New York City Council voted 40-7 to ban horse-drawn carriage rides, approving legislation that would end the industry in June 2028. Two council members abstained. The measure, known as Romanch’s Law, was named for Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist who died after a carriage horse bolted in Central Park in June. The legislation sets a deadline of April 2027 for the city to develop a workforce transition plan. It also bars the carriage horses from being sold for slaughter. The measure leaves details of financial and employment support, as well as arrangements for the horses, to be worked out. It prohibits new carriage licenses, according to one account of the bill’s provisions. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he supports the ban, but has not confirmed whether he will sign the bill. Council approval therefore does not establish that the measure has taken final effect. The ban is scheduled to begin in June 2028, with carriage operations continuing until then if the bill proceeds. The Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents carriage workers and business owners, has threatened to challenge the measure in court if it is enacted. The union said it would seek a...