New York City horse-drawn carriage ban from 2028 backed by council vote
New York City Council has voted to ban horse-drawn carriages by 2028 following a fatal accident involving a tourist. The legislation faces opposition from the Transport Workers Union and political figures like Donald Trump, who view the industry as a historic tradition.
Why it matters
The ban represents a conflict between public safety, animal welfare, and the preservation of historical tourism industries in urban centers.
The death of an 18-year-old Indian tourist who was thrown from a horse-drawn carriage has strengthened support for a ban on the rides in New York City, with the City Council voting to prohibit them from June 2028.The council voted 40-7 in favour of the bill on Thursday, while two members abstained. The legislation, backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, will end a long-standing tourist attraction and historic industry operating on city streets and in Central Park.Romanch Mahajan died on June 17 after the horse pulling his carriage bolted when the driver stepped away to take a photograph of Mahajan's family. The teenager was thrown from the carriage and suffered fatal injuries.US President Donald Trump criticised the proposed ban, arguing that horse-drawn carriages were an important part of New York City's history.
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