New York to Phase Out Horse-Drawn Carriages by 2028 Under Law Honouring Indian Tourist

New York City is set to phase out its iconic horse-drawn carriages by June 2028 under a proposed law named “Romanch’s Law” following the death of an 18-year-old Indian tourist in a carriage accident in Central Park. The Indian tourist, in June, fell to his death from the carriage while attempting to save his mother, who had fallen off after the horse bolted. The incident prompted renewed consideration of discontinuing the horse-carriage service on public safety grounds.

“The horse carriage industry is coming to an end in New York City. Our administration will make sure workers and owners are protected, and the horses are safe,” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a post on X.

The horse carriage industry is coming to an end in New York City. Our administration will make sure workers and owners are protected and the horses are safe.

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) October 13, 2026

Mamdani and New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin have agreed on legislation that would end the use of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, The New York Times (NYT) reported. Efforts to ban horse-drawn carriages intensified after the death of Romanch Mahajan, the Indian tourist, who was on a celebratory ride with his family on the day of the incidnent. Mahajan had just been accepted in a college. 

When the horse ran away, Mahajan leaped from the carriage to try to save his mother, who was falling out. He later passed away due to severe head injuries. The law was later named as "Romanch's Law" in his honour. Mamdani had promised that workers whose livelihoods depend on the sector will be compensated or taken care of. 

Next Monday, the City Council is scheduled to vote on the motion. According to the NYT report, Menin stated that she thought it would pass the 51-member Council with a veto-proof majority. “Next week, the Council will take decisive action by voting on [this bill] to protect New Yorkers, visitors, and the horses themselves,” she said.

New Name for the Old Bill

The legislation was earlier known as Ryder's Law, named after a 26-year-old carriage horse that collapsed in New York City in August 2022 while pulling a carriage. Ryder died in October that year, prompting animal rights and advocacy groups, including the Animal Legal Defence Fund, to step up calls for legislation to ban and replace horse-drawn carriages in the city.