New York votes to ban Central Park horse carriages after decades of debate

New York's city council has voted to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, marking the end of a decades-long debate. The measure, which will take effect in June 2028, follows years of heated discussions over the fate of this tourist tradition. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who must approve the bill, has previously shown support but has also expressed concerns about worker protections. The ban aims to help the 150 active carriage drivers find new jobs.

The legislative battles over the carriages have raged for nearly two decades, with critics raising concerns about animal welfare and the risks of deadly collapses and dangerous escapes. Advocates, on the other hand, argue that these rides create jobs and preserve a cultural heritage. The bill also includes a provision for exploring compensation for license holders, ensuring the nearly 200 horses will not be sold for slaughter or other carriage businesses.

The decision comes after a particularly tragic summer, when an 18-year-old tourist from India was killed by a horse that bolted from its carriage. This followed a series of other incidents involving carriages, resulting in the deaths of several horses. The Central Park Conservancy, which manages the city's most visited urban park with 42 million annual visitors, even endorsed the ban, calling it a matter of public health and safety.