From BBC News · · 1m 20s
New York to ban horse carriages from Central Park
New York City Council is expected to outlaw horse-drawn carriages starting in June 2028, following a teenager's death and animal welfare concerns.
In brief
New York City Council is expected to outlaw horse-drawn carriages starting in June 2028, following a teenager's death and animal welfare concerns. New York City Council will vote to ban horse-drawn carriages from Central Park starting June 2028, after an eighteen-year-old visitor died falling from a carriage…
Council votes to end carriages
New York City Council is expected to outlaw horse-drawn carriages starting in June 2028. Speaker Julie Menin will bring the bill to a vote on 22 October.
Death of teenager sparked action
In June, eighteen-year-old Romanch Mahajan, visiting from India, fell from a carriage when the horse bolted. The bill is named Romanch's law in his memory.
Safety and animal welfare concerns
Speaker Menin said the carriages have become a public safety liability in an increasingly busy Central Park. The bill also addresses ongoing concerns about inhumane treatment of horses.
“Horse-drawn carriages have long been part of New York City's history, but in an increasingly busy Central Park, this tradition has become a growing public safety liability.”
Support and transition plan
The mayor supports the ban and is constructing a transition plan. The bill includes job placement, training, career counseling, and financial compensation for carriage workers.
Workers' union opposes the ban
The Transport Workers Union, representing three hundred horse-carriage drivers and owners, argues the horses are treated well and the industry employs hundreds of people.
What matters most
New York City Council will vote to ban horse-drawn carriages from Central Park starting June 2028, after an eighteen-year-old visitor died falling from a carriage.
