Politics
NYC Reaches Deal to Phase Out Controversial Horse-Carriage Industry by 2028
AP News · 22 hours ago · Read the Full Story on AP News
AI SUMMARY
New York City officials announced a deal to phase out the iconic horse-drawn carriage industry by June 2028, sparking intense pushback from owners and drivers over economic losses and animal welfare debates.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin announced a deal on Tuesday to phase out New York City's horse-drawn carriage operations.
- A City Council vote is expected next week on a bill to ban the carriage industry starting in June 2028.
- The bill was named 'Romanch’s Law' following the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan from a fall in June.
- Animal rights activists have targeted the industry over safety concerns, animal mistreatment, and viral collapse incidents.
- Carriage owner Frank Riccobono stated he will lose a significant investment, including nearly $400,000 paid for a mandatory operating medallion, with no reimbursement included in the bill.
- The legislation permits owners to keep, sell, or transfer their horses for non-slaughter and humane purposes, but bars using them for city carriage rides.
- Mamdani and Menin stated they plan to help the city's roughly 200 carriage drivers transition into new jobs.
- Transport Workers Union shop steward Christina Hansen reported that drivers have not been consulted directly by Mamdani and worry about the future funding and upkeep for the horses sent to sanctuaries.
- Previous attempts to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City, including one by former Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2014, ultimately failed.
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