New York to ban Central Park horse-drawn carriages by 2028

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 13:03 · Archive

New York City is to ban horse-drawn carriages from Central Park by June 2028, following decades of animal welfare opposition.

The New York City Council is expected to pass a bill on Thursday that would ban horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park by June 2028. The tradition has operated for more than 150 years and remains popular with tourists, but has faced decades of opposition from animal welfare activists. The death of a teenage tourist last spring prompted the latest push to end the practice.

For carriage drivers, the future remains uncertain. There are more than 150 drivers currently working in the industry. Alexus Lawson, a 28-year-old carriage driver from Queens who has worked as a riding instructor, said: 'No one can come up with an appropriate answer because there is none.' She expressed concern about caring for her horses, including a 7-year-old horse named Starlight, if she loses her job.

The legislation requires Mayor Zohran Mamdani's office to develop a transition plan by April. This plan would include job referrals in the city's transit, hospitality and taxi industries, as well as career counseling. City Hall is also considering some form of compensation for workers whose jobs will be eliminated, according to a mayoral spokesperson.

How it is being reported

• Facing a ban on horse-drawn carriages, Central Park's drivers fear for their livelihoodsThe horse-drawn carriages that have cruised through Central Park for more than 150 years are set to be banished soon from New York City, winding down a tradition beloved by tourists but long opposed by animal welfare activists.Clickorlando · 22 Oct, 05:00
• Facing a ban on horse-drawn carriages, Central Park's drivers fear for their livelihoodsThe horse-drawn carriages that have cruised through Central Park for more than 150 years are set to be banished soon from New York City, winding down a tradition beloved by tourists but long opposed by animal welfare activists.News4Jax · 22 Oct, 05:00

In this story: New York City Council · Central Park · Alexus Lawson · Zohran Mamdani · New York City

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