October 22, 2026—The New York City Council has taken a historic step for equine welfare and public safety by voting 40-7 to phase out horse-drawn carriage operations on its streets by June 1, 2028.

The landmark Romanch’s Law, formerly known as Ryder’s Law, honors the memory of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old who lost his life following a horse-drawn carriage accident in Central Park on June 17, 2026. His tragic death brought renewed attention to the safety risks these operations have posed in one of the world’s busiest cities.

Mayor Zohran Mamdanin, who reportedly supports this legislation, is now expected to sign it into law.

Animal welfare and public safety

Horse-drawn carriages have been operating in Central Park since 1858, originally serving as a mode of transportation and evolving into a popular tourist attraction. However, the industry has faced decades of scrutiny over animal welfare and public safety concerns.

The new law will wind down the industry over the next 19 months and establish a framework for a safe and orderly transition for workers and horses.

Historic initiative

“Today, the City Council made history. Our landmark vote to pass Romanch’s Law is a demonstration of this Council’s commitment to animal welfare, public safety and worker protection,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “The tragic and preventable death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan this summer underscored the need for urgent action after decades of mounting concerns.

“From longstanding animal welfare concerns and increasingly extreme heat conditions to historic overcrowding in Central Park, which now welcomes more than 42 million visitors annually, the status quo has become unsustainable and unsafe for horses and people alike. The Council took swift action, hearing hours of testimony from carriage drivers, animal welfare advocates, City officials and constituents. The resulting plan establishes a deadline to phase out the industry while ensuring the development of a comprehensive workforce transition that will protect the livelihoods of the hardworking New Yorkers who depend on it.

“Thank you to Council Member Marte for championing this historic initiative, and to my Council colleagues and the advocates for their partnership in making it happen.”

Introduction 943-A, sponsored by Council Member Christopher Marte, would wind down the horse-drawn cab industry by prohibiting the issuance of licenses for carriage horses, horse-drawn cabs and horse-drawn cab drivers on or after June 1, 2028. Any licenses active as of the effective date of the bill would permanently expire on May 31, 2028, and would no longer be subject to renewal requirements.

Transfer or sale of horses for ‘inhumane purposes’ prohibited

This bill requires the humane disposition of carriage horses and prohibits their sale or transfer for inhumane purposes, such as for slaughter or for use in another horse drawn cab business. This bill would also require an agency or agencies designated by the Mayor to establish a horse-drawn cab industry transition plan by April 1, 2027 for horse-drawn cab owners, drivers and other workers engaged in the horse drawn cab industry, including stable workers.

Such a plan would include a workforce transition program, consideration of a program to assist carriage horse owners with the disposition of their horses and equipment, and consideration of a program to provide compensation to horse-drawn cab owners for the value of their businesses, licenses and equipment.

“Today, the Council passed legislation that protects horses and passengers while supporting carriage workers as they move into new livelihoods,” said Council Member Christopher Marte. “Romanch’s Law provides time for that transition and requires the city to help workers access job opportunities, training and career support. We wanted this bill to work for everyone, and our office worked hard to build the majority behind it.

“I thank Speaker Menin for her early public support and for working with us to strengthen the legislation and get it passed. After decades of debate, the persistence of advocates and the courage of the Mahajan family have helped us reach a point where we can retire these horses safely and help workers build their next chapter.”

Win for horses and New Yorkers

Reaction from the New York-based American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which had been monitoring the situation closely, was understandably positive. After all, protecting horses has been part of the ASPCA’s work since it was founded in New York City in 1866.

For years, the ASPCA has pushed for stronger protections for working horses and called for an end to horse-drawn carriages on its hometown’s increasingly congested streets. As the organization stated in a recent news release, better rules can improve some aspects of horse care, but they cannot solve the fundamental problem: Horse-drawn carriages and busy city streets are a dangerous mix.

Romanch’s Law offers a thoughtful way forward, the release maintained, with broad support from animal welfare and public safety organizations, elected officials and New Yorkers.

“We are grateful to Council Member Marte and Speaker Menin for their leadership in passing this historic legislation, and we urge Mayor Mamdani to sign Intro. 943 into law, phasing out horse-drawn carriages while providing a responsible path forward for both the horses and the workers who depend on the industry,” said ASPCA president and CEO Matt Bershadker.

Supporting horses and workers

The two-year transition period gives city agencies and the horse-drawn carriage industry time to wind down operations responsibly. It is also designed to help carriage horses move to safe, appropriate homes and create a workforce transition program for carriage drivers and stable workers.

As the ASPCA reiterated, supporting the horses’ long-term welfare is a critical component of this plan. If owners need help finding safe new homes for their horses, the ASPCA is ready to assist through its network of equine rescue partners and by providing resources or grant funding where needed. A coalition of equine rescues, sanctuaries, retirement organizations and other animal welfare groups has also offered support.

Joining a growing movement

New York City is not alone in recognizing that traditional horse-drawn carriage operations no longer work well in busy urban centers. Chicago, Philadelphia and Salt Lake City have ended or prohibited these operations. Major cities around the world, including London, Paris, Toronto, Barcelona, Montreal and Beijing, have limited or ended them, too.

The ASPCA has pledged to continue working with city leaders, equine welfare partners and other stakeholders to support responsible implementation and help ensure every carriage horse has the opportunity for a safe, humane future.

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