New York City moves to ban horse-drawn carriages

Key Points:

• New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin have agreed to ban horse-drawn carriages in the city starting June 2028, with the city council expected to vote on the legislation on October 22.
• The ban follows concerns over animal welfare and public safety, including multiple horse deaths since 2020 and a fatal accident involving an 18-year-old tourist.
• The bill includes provisions for a workforce transition program offering career counseling and job referrals for carriage drivers, as well as consideration of compensation for carriage owners.
• The Transport Workers Union has criticized the bill for lacking sufficient economic relief for workers, calling the move political opportunism that threatens immigrant families' livelihoods.
• The legislation also mandates a humane program for retiring horses, prohibiting their sale or transport for slaughter or carriage industries elsewhere, while city officials emphasize efforts to ensure a just transition for all stakeholders.