New York City is moving to outlaw its horse-drawn carriage industry under a landmark agreement, ending a tradition that has been part of the city for more than 150 years. The bill, which will bring the trade to a close by June 2028, has been named after Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist who died in a carriage accident in June 2026.
Mayor announces 'Romach's Law'
Announcing 'Romach's Law' on X, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledged that his administration would work to ensure workers and owners are protected, and the horses remain safe. The legislation has secured a veto-proof majority with 29 of 51 Council members backing it ahead of a scheduled floor vote on October 22.
If passed, the law will implement a phased ban, culminating in a complete prohibition of all horse-drawn carriage operations by June 1, 2028. This is not the first time a New York City mayor has pushed to end the carriage trade.
Previous attempts failed
As a candidate in 2013, former Mayor Bill de Blasio famously vowed to rid Central Park of the carriages on the first day of his administration. However, by 2016, it had failed to come to fruition following a breakdown of union negotiations.
Now, under Mayor Mamdani, the movement has returned, setting the stage for what previous administrations tried, and failed, to accomplish. The move has divided opinion. While animal rights activists welcome it, others say it marks the end of an iconic New York institution.
Reactions to the ban
Responding to Mayor Mamdani's X post, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) wrote, 'Thank you, Mayor Mamdani. We are looking forward to celebrating the end of this cruel industry that's caused harm and claimed lives.' Others agreed, sharing concern about heat exhaustion, confined stalls, and poor working conditions for the animals.
In June this year, a horse named Deniz died after eating a toxic Japanese yew shrub during a ride. Videos and photos of Deniz lying on the street quickly spread across social media, sparking public grief and anger. The incident amplified long-standing arguments from animal welfare groups.
Former congresswoman Susan Wild (@wildforcongress) also responded to the mayor, saying, 'Thank you. No other mayor has had the courage to do this.' Additionally, while some residents noted that it may be a letdown for tourists, many praised Mayor Mamdani for looking after the horses' welfare.
Criticism and worker transition
But not everyone was as supportive. 'Another piece of New York City's history being erased. What a shame,' said @clownworld, while @JayTC53 added, 'You are destroying New York City. The horse carriages are an ICONIC piece of NYC. What are you going to replace them with goats??' Furthermore, @julietimetravel accused the mayor of 'dismantling New York City,' while others raised concerns about the job losses for those who work with the horses, and the impact on tourism.
Beyond the cultural debate, the policy has drawn anger from labour leaders. The agreement will require the city to establish a comprehensive workforce transition plan by April 2027 to help displaced workers find new employment and provide compensation for their medallion and horses. Union leaders, including TWU (Transport Workers Union) International President John Samuelsen, strongly criticised the city's 'weak' transition and workforce plans.
Samuelsen denounced the bill as having 'no meaningful economic relief for workers.' Calling the situation 'reprehensible,' he accused Mayor Mamdani of 'political opportunism.' Meanwhile, questions regarding the future care, rehoming, and safety of the roughly 200 horses currently in the industry remain a pressing concern.
