A Historic Win: New York City Passes Law to End Horse-Drawn Carriages

Romanch’s Law will phase out horse-drawn carriages and support horses and workers through the transition. It takes full effect June 1, 2028.

New York City has taken a historic step for horses and public safety by passing a landmark law to phase out horse-drawn carriage operations.

The law honors the memory of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old who lost his life following a horse-drawn carriage accident in Central Park on June 17, 2026. His tragic death brought renewed attention to the serious safety risks these operations pose in one of the world’s busiest cities.

The bill, passed by the New York City Council on October 22, mandates that horse-drawn carriages no longer operate on New York City streets by June 1, 2028.

A Long-Awaited Win for Horses and New Yorkers

Protecting horses has been part of the ASPCA’s work since we were founded in New York City in 1866.

For years, we have pushed for stronger protections for working horses and called for an end to horse-drawn carriages on our hometown’s increasingly congested streets. Better rules can improve some aspects of horse care, but they cannot solve the fundamental problem: Horse-drawn carriages and busy city streets are a dangerous mix. The activity carries inherent risks to horses, workers, passengers and the public.

Romanch’s Law offers a thoughtful way forward, with broad support from animal welfare and public safety organizations, elected officials and New Yorkers.

“We are grateful to Council Member Marte and Speaker Menin for their leadership in passing this historic legislation, and we urge Mayor Mamdani to sign Intro. 943 into law, phasing out horse-drawn carriages while providing a responsible path forward for both the horses and the workers who depend on the industry,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO.

Supporting Horses and Workers

The two-year transition period gives city agencies and the horse-drawn carriage industry time to wind down operations responsibly. It is also designed to help carriage horses move to safe, appropriate homes and create a workforce transition program for carriage drivers and stable workers.

Supporting the horses' long-term welfare is a critical component of this plan. If owners need help finding safe new homes for their horses, the ASPCA is ready to assist through our network of equine rescue partners and by providing resources or grant funding where needed. A coalition of equine rescues, sanctuaries, retirement organizations and other animal welfare groups has also offered support.

Learn more about our multifaceted work for horses >

New York City Joins a Growing Movement

New York City is not alone in recognizing that traditional horse-drawn carriage operations do not belong in busy urban centers. Chicago, Philadelphia and Salt Lake City have ended or prohibited these operations. Major cities around the world, including London, Paris, Toronto, Barcelona, Montreal and Beijing, have limited or ended them, too.

This victory shows what is possible when communities work together to protect animals and transform how they are treated. The ASPCA will continue working with city leaders, equine welfare partners and other stakeholders to support responsible implementation and help ensure every carriage horse has the opportunity for a safe, humane future.

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