New York City Council has voted to ban horse-drawn carriages by June 2028, ending a nearly 170-year-old tradition following the tragic death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan in Central Park, an incident that spurred the legislation named in his honor. The 40-7 vote mandates a phase-out of the industry, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration tasked with creating a transition program for over 150 affected drivers, though financial compensation is not guaranteed. President Donald Trump publicly denounced the ban as a political decision that will eliminate a ‘quintessential New York experience.’ The Transport Workers Union, representing the drivers, has vowed to challenge the ban in federal court and seek a restraining order, accusing City Council Speaker Julie Menin of insufficient consultation. Animal rights group PETA celebrated the vote and pledged funds for horse retirement, while the Central Park Conservancy highlighted the growing safety risks posed by carriages in the increasingly busy park, citing Mahajan’s death as the ninth carriage-related incident in just over a year. The legislation also includes provisions to prevent retired carriage horses from being sold for slaughter, and with Mayor Mamdani’s support, the bill is poised to end a long-standing debate over this iconic, yet controversial, New York City tourist attraction.
Adapted from: Latest Political News on Fox News
