New York City to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages by 2028
The City Council voted to remove carriages from streets and Central Park starting in June 2028.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Large Animals
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The New York City Council voted in October 2026 to ban horse-drawn carriages from city streets and Central Park. The measure, which prohibits the slaughter of horses, is set to take effect in June 2028.
Why it matters
Momentum for the legislation increased following the June 17, 2026, death of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist who died after being thrown from a carriage. The city must now navigate the economic and labor implications of ending the long-standing industry.
The vote passed with 40 supporting votes out of 51 total city lawmakers, with 7 members opposed and 2 abstentions. The mandate also explicitly prohibits the slaughter of horses as part of the phase-out.
The players
New York City Council
The legislative body for New York City that is responsible for passing local laws and approving the city budget.
Transport Workers Union
A labor organization that represents transit and transport workers and has announced plans to seek a temporary restraining order against the bill.
Romanch Mahajan
An 18-year-old tourist whose death following a carriage accident served as a catalyst for the legislative push to ban the industry.
The details
The bill requires the city to create a workforce transition plan for those employed by the carriage industry by April 2027. Officials are also tasked with evaluating a potential compensation program for business operators affected by the ban.
Timeline
June 17, 2026: Romanch Mahajan died after being thrown from a carriage.
October 2026: The City Council voted to pass the ban on carriages.
April 2027: The city must develop a formal workforce transition plan.
June 2028: The ban on horse-drawn carriages officially takes effect.
Culture Shift
This legislation reflects a broader societal shift toward prioritizing animal welfare and urban safety over traditional tourist attractions. The move follows a long-term trend of cities reevaluating the compatibility of animal-drawn vehicles in modern, dense urban environments.
Residents and tourists will no longer see horse-drawn carriages in Central Park or on city streets starting in mid-2028. This transition will require the city to implement a workforce plan for those currently employed by the carriage business.
The takeaway
The upcoming ban signals the end of a historic New York City tradition in favor of newer safety standards. Visitors and residents should expect the disappearance of these carriages from major tourist corridors over the next two years.
What happens next
The Transport Workers Union has indicated plans to pursue a temporary restraining order to block the implementation of the ban.
Further reading
Learn more about the Large Animals issues currently being addressed by local governments.
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Should city governments ban the use of horse-drawn carriages in public tourist areas?
