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

New York's city council has decided to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, putting an end to a centuries-old tourist tradition that has long been the subject of passionate debate. The decision comes after years of contentious discussions surrounding the welfare of the animals and the livelihoods of the workers employed in the industry.

New York's mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has previously expressed support for the ban, but has also raised concerns about safeguarding the rights of those involved in the carriage industry. If the mayor approves the legislation, the ban will take effect in June 2028, providing a transition period for the roughly 150 licensed carriage drivers to seek alternative employment.

The city council speaker, Julie Menin, informed reporters ahead of the vote that the provision will assist these drivers in finding new jobs. The Transport Workers Union, representing the affected workers, has announced its intention to challenge the ban in court. The debate over the fate of this cultural heritage has raged on for nearly two decades.

Proponents argue that the carriages provide employment and preserve a significant piece of history, while opponents claim that the animals suffer from injuries and dangerous escapes. The bill also includes a clause for considering potential compensation for those who hold licenses to operate the carriages.