New York City officials announced an upcoming vote to ban horse-drawn carriages across the five boroughs, marking the end of a long-standing tradition in Central Park. The legislation, supported by Mayor Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin, is set to be introduced next week with a scheduled council vote on October 22.

The proposed ban aims to take effect in June 2028, providing a transition period before the carriages are completely outlawed. The initiative follows increased scrutiny of carriage operations after a fatal accident this summer, when an 18-year-old tourist from India, Romanch Mahajan, was thrown from a bucking horse and died.

City Council officials cited public safety as a central concern behind the legislation. Menin emphasized that the incident highlighted the urgent need for change, stating that the current situation is no longer acceptable, especially given the growing foot traffic in Central Park.

The mayor’s office reviewed and approved the language of the bill prior to the council-wide vote, signaling strong municipal support. Advocates for the ban argue it will address ongoing safety risks and animal welfare concerns associated with horse-drawn carriages in a busy urban environment.

Opponents of the ban, including some carriage operators and supporters, have defended the tradition as a cultural and historical component of New York City’s identity. However, officials contend that evolving safety standards and public sentiment have made the carriage rides increasingly untenable in their current form.

If passed, New York City will join other major cities nationwide that have moved to phase out horse-drawn carriages amid concerns about animal welfare and public safety. The planned June 2028 deadline allows for a gradual end to the service while stakeholders adjust to the change.

The vote represents a significant shift in policy for a practice that has been part of Central Park’s landscape for more than a century, reflecting broader trends toward reevaluating urban animal-related attractions in large metropolitan areas.