A proposal to ban the iconic horse-drawn carriages in New York City's Central Park has been decisively rejected by a key council committee, ensuring the historic tourist attractions will continue to operate for the foreseeable future.
Committee Vote Ends Ban Hopes
The New York City Council's Committee on Health voted against advancing the proposed ban to the full council following a packed and emotional hearing on Friday 14 November 2025. This outcome represents a significant victory for the carriage drivers and a setback for animal rights advocates who have campaigned for years to shut down the industry.
The horse-drawn carriages have been a fixture in the park for more than 150 years, becoming one of the city's most recognisable tourist experiences. The debate over their future was recently reignited after a carriage horse collapsed and died near its stables earlier this year, with images of the incident circulating widely online.
Clashing Perspectives on Animal Welfare
The Transport Workers Union of America, which represents the carriage workers, applauded the committee's decision. The union's president, John Samuelsen, issued a statement praising the panel for standing up for his members, whom he described as "hardworking immigrants who take good care of their horses."
He accused the ban's supporters of being "monied interests who care nothing about animal welfare." In contrast, animal rights groups condemned the vote as a "sham." The organisation New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS) highlighted safety concerns, stating that horses have recently collapsed, dropped dead on streets, and been involved in runaway incidents that sent people to hospital.
Political Fallout and Future of the Industry
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed disappointment, saying city lawmakers had ignored the "vast majority of New Yorkers" who want the industry ended. The outgoing Democrat had recently supported the ban and issued an executive order to increase enforcement on the industry.
The vote itself was forced through a procedural rule by the bill's sponsor, outgoing Queens Democrat Council Member Robert Holden, who later called the process "one of the most undemocratic displays" he had witnessed. A spokesperson for City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams suggested Holden had failed to build sufficient support among his colleagues.
Adding weight to the ban's supporters, the influential Central Park Conservancy, which manages the 843-acre park, also came out in favour of ending the industry, citing its impact on public safety and infrastructure in the increasingly crowded green space.
