New York City's City Council recently passed Romanch's Law, which will eliminate horse-drawn carriage licenses by June 2028.. The decision follows a fatal accident involving a young tourist and prioritizes animal welfare over a long-standing tourism practice.
The 40-7 Vote to End a 160-Year Tradition
The New York City Council voted 40-7, with two abstentions, to pass Romanch's Law on Thursday. According to the report, this legislation effectively shuts down the carriage industry by June 1, 2028, by prohibiting the issuance of any new licenses.
This move terminates a tourism staple that has existed around Central Park for over 160 years. Council Speaker Julie Menin described the vote as a historic step toward improving public safety and animal rights in Manhattan.
The Tragic Death of Romanch Mahajan
The legislation is named after Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old Indian tourist who died following a carriage accident in early 2024. As the source reported, this tragedy served as the primary catalyst for the New York City Council's decisive action.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has praised the bill, arguing that forcing horses to navigate the congested streets of New York City is inherently dangerous. This shift reflects a broader global trend where major metropolitan areas are replacing animal-led transport with more humane, motorized alternatives to reduce urban risk.
MTA and Port Authority Roles for Displaced Drivers
To mitigate the economic impact on the workforce, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has promised a transition program for affected workers. This initiative will provide career counseling and job referrals to entities like the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Port Authority.
The program also includes potential placements with private transportation and tourism firms to ensure that carriage drivers do not lose their livelihoods... Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized that her administration is committed to safeguarding both the human workers and the animals involved in the industry.
The TWU's Unconstitutional Challenge and Trump's Critique
The Transport Workers Union (TWU), which represents more than 100 carriage drivers, has formally protested the law, calling it "unconstitutional." TWU officials have vowed to challenge the ban in court, arguing that the current transition plans lack concrete accommodations for the families and horse owners affected.
Former President Donald Trump also criticized the move on Truth Social, labeling the carriage rides a "quintessential" part of the New York experience. Trump argued that the phase-out is drven by "political reasons" rather than a genuine safety concern, noting that vehicular accidents in the area are far more common than carriage-related incidents.
The Fate of the Horses After June 2028
While Romanch's Law explicitly prohibits the sale of carriage horses to slaughterhouses, the specific long-term sanctuary plan for these animals remains unclear. The source does not specify which organizations will take custody of the horses once the licenses expire in 2028.
Additionally, it remains to be seen if the promised job placements at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) or the Port Authority will be guaranteed or merely suggested. The report highlights a tension between the city's animal welfare goals and the immediate economic survival of the niche workforce.
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