The horse-drawn carriages returned to circulate in Central Park after six days of voluntary suspension called by the coachmen’s union. The pause occurred following the death of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old Indian tourist, in an accident on June 17.
The victim’s family considered the quick return of the rides offensive, which reignited the debate about the continuity of this activity in New York.
Political and social debate
The case accelerated the discussion about the future of the service. An initiative presented before the accident proposes banning carriages starting in June 2028.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that he will work with the City Council, unions, animal welfare advocates, and community leaders to ensure a transition that protects workers and ends this practice.
City Council President Julie Menin called for a hearing in July to discuss the ban. Cities like Chicago and Montreal have already limited or banned such rides.
The dispute in the park
The union Transport Workers Union of America Local 100 represents the 68 licensed owners. After the accident, it conducted mandatory training to reinforce safety standards and horse handling practices.
However, activists like Edita Birnkrant, director of NYCLASS, argue that the measures are not enough and hold the city responsible for allowing the return of the carriages “under the same conditions that led to the death.”
Tension increased with another recent episode: the death of a horse after ingesting a toxic plant in the park. This precedent strengthened the arguments of those demanding a definitive ban.
Current regulations
The New York City Department of Health certifies the health and safety of the animals, inspects the stables, and requires drivers to stay with their horses. It also provides training on health and safety requirements.
For proponents of the ban, these measures are insufficient. They argue that the risks to public safety and animal welfare are too high.
The return of the carriages after the death of a tourist reignited a historical dispute in New York: tourist tradition or unsafe and cruel practice? The hearing scheduled for July will be key to determining whether Central Park maintains this activity until 2028 or if its ban is accelerated.
