New York Bans Central Park Horse Carriages by 2028
- New York City horse-drawn carriages will disappear from Central Park by June 1, 2028, under legislation passed by the New York City Council, srf.ch reported.
- Animal rights advocates have long campaigned against the carriage trade, arguing that horses suffer from overwork, poor stabling, and panic in traffic.
- While previous administrations saw similar legislative proposals stall, efforts gained momentum following accidents involving the animals.
New York City horse-drawn carriages will disappear from Central Park by June 1, 2028, under legislation passed by the New York City Council, srf.ch reported. The ban follows a compromise between Zohran Mamdani and the chair of the New York City Council, Julie Menin, concluding decades of public debate over the historic tourist attraction.
Safety Pressures and the June 2026 Accident
Animal rights advocates have long campaigned against the carriage trade, arguing that horses suffer from overwork, poor stabling, and panic in traffic. Operators have rejected those claims, asking instead for stricter regulations. Critics from the industry contend that real estate interests are driving the bans to redevelop lucrative stables located mostly on Manhattan’s West Side.
While previous administrations saw similar legislative proposals stall, efforts gained momentum following accidents involving the animals. Public pressure intensified sharply after a tragic incident in June 2026 resulted in the death of an 18-year-old tourist from India who was visiting the city with his family. The visitor leaped from a carriage after his mother had been thrown from it, according to srf.ch.
Reactions and Future Operations
The decision drew international attention, including criticism from Donald Trump. Born in the metropolis, Trump posted on Truth Social that the end of the fundamental New York experience is so sad, calling it a great tradition and another piece of history disappearing.
New York Central Park are you ready?See yo soon!Yoshiki🌹@GlblCtzn pic.twitter.com/UfEUjSjFI3
Mamdani stated that his administration intends to protect the rights of carriage drivers, operators, and animals, though specific details remain unannounced. Menin suggested that some drivers might transition to ferrying visitors through the park in specialized rickshaws.