Update — October 16, 2026: The New York City Council is expected to vote on Romanch's Law on Thursday, October 22, and their decision could finally pave the way for New York City to phase out horse-drawn carriages. Please urge your council member to vote YES.
Contact your councilmember today and ask them to support passage of this important legislation, which would phase out horse-drawn carriage operations in New York City and provide a responsible path forward for both horses and the workers who depend on the industry.
Carriage horse incidents keep happening in New York City, and each one is a warning that horses and people are constantly at risk in busy city traffic. These include runaway horses, carriage collisions, overturned carriages, horses entering traffic, collapsing horses, injuries to drivers and incidents involving passengers. Together, these incidents make clear why New York City must advance this bill.
Romanch's Law, formerly Ryder’s Law, provides a thoughtful and practical path forward — protecting both horses and the public while preserving respect for those whose livelihoods are connected to the industry. It would:
- Responsibly phase out horse-drawn carriage operations in New York City.
- Ensure the humane retirement and placement of carriage horses.
- Establish a workforce transition program for carriage drivers and horse-stable workers.
In June, another carriage horse tragically died while working in Central Park. Just days later, 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan lost his life following a runaway carriage incident during what should have been a joyful family vacation.
For decades, New York City has attempted to improve conditions for carriage horses through additional regulations and oversight. While these efforts have addressed some operational issues, they have not resolved the fundamental challenge: horses are large, powerful animals being asked to work in one of the busiest and most congested urban environments in the world. No amount of training, oversight or infrastructure improvements can eliminate the inherent risks associated with that reality.
New York City would not be alone in making this change. Many cities in the U.S. and around the world including London, Paris, Beijing, Toronto, Barcelona, Montreal, Beijing, Chicago and Philadelphia have already ended or prohibited traditional horse-drawn carriage operations in busy urban centers, recognizing that modern transportation, public safety and animal welfare standards have evolved.
Take Action Today
Please use the form below to send a message urging your New York City Council Member to vote YES. If your member is already a cosponsor, the system will generate a message of thanks.
