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

On Thursday, New York City's council voted to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, marking the conclusion of a decades-long debate that has surrounded the tourist attraction. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who must grant his approval to the legislation, has previously expressed support for the ban but has also raised concerns about the welfare of the workers in this industry.

Should the mayor endorse the measure, the ban will commence in June 2028. According to city council speaker Julie Menin, the prelude aims to assist the about 150 active carriage drivers in securing alternative employment. The Transport Workers Union, representing these laborers, has indicated their intention to pursue legal action.

The legislative controversy surrounding the tradition, which is as old as Central Park itself, has been raging for nearly two decades. Critics argue that the animals are in distress, citing instances of fatal collapses and reckless escapes, whereas advocates highlight the jobs they generate and the cultural heritage they preserve.

The bill encompasses a clause for examining possible compensation for license holders, as stated by Menin.