New York plans to ban Central Park's horse-drawn carriages after teen's death

Key Points:

• New York City lawmakers plan to ban horse-drawn carriages from Central Park by 2028, ending a tradition that lasted over 150 years, following long-standing animal welfare concerns and a fatal accident last spring involving a teenage tourist.
• The push for the ban gained momentum after 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan died when he jumped from a runaway horse carriage, reigniting debates about public safety and animal welfare in the busy urban environment.
• Despite opposition from carriage drivers, unions, and supporters who view the rides as iconic tourist experiences, the City Council is poised to pass the legislation with backing from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who supports a transition plan for affected workers.
• The bill includes provisions to ensure horses are treated humanely after the ban and mandates a workforce transition plan to address economic impacts on carriage drivers, though union leaders criticize the move as lacking sufficient support for workers.
• Previous mayoral administrations also attempted to end the carriage rides but faced strong resistance; the city has implemented various safety regulations over the years, including veterinary inspections and limits on working conditions for the horses.