New York City to Phase Out Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
The New York City Council approved legislation that will end horse-drawn carriage rides by mid-2028, closing a 165-year-old tourist tradition. The practice had drawn criticism over animal welfare and safety, and a June incident involving a runaway horse that killed a teenage visitor from India renewed calls to stop it. Pedicabs have been suggested as a replacement, but lawmakers say that sector has problems of its own.
The New York City Council has approved a measure that will end horse-drawn carriage rides by the middle of 2028. The tradition dates back more than 165 years and has been marketed as a signature tourist experience in the city.
Concerns about animal welfare and safety have fueled criticism of the practice. A June accident involving a runaway horse killed Romanch Mahajan, a teenage visitor from India, and renewed calls to stop the rides. Pedicabs have been proposed as an alternative, though lawmakers note that industry has its own challenges.
The phaseout could reshape a familiar New York tourist experience and may affect carriage drivers, stable workers, and visitors who seek traditional rides. It may also shift attention to pedicabs, whose safety and regulation could draw greater scrutiny. Animal welfare advocates may see the change as progress, while some tourists could view the loss as a cultural trade-off. The broader impact may depend on how replacement transport is managed and how workers are supported during the transition.