The New York City Council on Thursday passed Romanch's Law, a bill that bans horse-drawn carriage rides in the city by 2028. The vote was 40-7, with two members abstaining 2. President Donald Trump then criticized the decision on Truth Social, his social media site 2.
The law is named for Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist who died in a carriage accident in Central Park in June 1. It stops the city from issuing new carriage licenses and phases out all carriages by June 1, 2028 2.
What the law does
The carriages have been part of Central Park for more than 160 years 1. The bill requires a transition plan for workers and owners in 2027 and calls for the humane placement of the horses 1. Under the law, the horses cannot be sold to slaughterhouses 2.
The city must also set up a workforce program with career counseling and job referrals. Possible employers include the Port Authority and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority 2.
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat, backs the bill. His office said Thursday night that he will sign it and is working to protect owners and workers in the industry 1.
The horse carriage industry is coming to an end in New York City. Our administration will make sure workers and owners are protected and the horses are safe.
Trump weighs in
Trump lamented the end of the industry and said it was driven by one tragic accident 1. On Truth Social, he also described the carriage ride as a quintessential New York experience 2.
When there is a car accident in the area, of which there are many, they don't stop cars from entering the Park. So why would they stop the carriages? It was a great tradition. Another piece of history that's gone.
Council Speaker Julie Menin said the ban is needed to protect animals and public safety. She pointed to the park's crowds and to past accidents in which horses were spooked and broke free 1. She also said the first council bill to ban the industry came 19 years ago 1.
A court fight is coming
The Transport Workers Union, which represents more than 100 carriage drivers, says it will sue 2. Its lawyer, Ben Kallos, said the city charter requires an economic impact analysis and that the one on file is blank 1. He said he believes a judge will overturn the law 1.
Owner Francesco Riccobono said he invested $400,000 two years ago to expand his father's business. Carriage owners say the plan does not go far enough to help them 1.
Supporters include the Central Park Conservancy, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the ASPCA, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 12.
That matters because this is a local safety and animal welfare decision, and the mayor and the Council majority back it. Trump's criticism came after the vote and does not change the law. The next steps are Mamdani's signature and the union's court challenge 12.
The Record
Sources
- CBS News, “Horse-drawn carriage ban approved by NYC Council” (2026-10-22). cbsnews.com/news/horse-carriage-ban-bill-nyc-council/
- Newsweek, “Trump Slams Mamdani Ban on NYC's Horse-Drawn Carriages: 'Great Tradition'” (2026-10-22). newsweek.com/trump-slams-mamdani-ban-on-nycs-horse-drawn-car
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