In brief
The New York City Council has approved a ban on horse‑drawn carriages effective June 2028, a decision backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The move follows a tragic incident earlier this year when a carriage horse bolted, causing a fatal fall. Animal‑rights activists argue that the 160‑year‑old tradition forces horses to work long hours under stressful conditions. While some carriage owners fear economic loss, supporters see the ruling as a moral victory for animal welfare.
The New York City Council has approved a historic ban on the city’s iconic horse‑drawn carriages, set to take effect in June 2028. Backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the move follows years of campaigning by animal‑rights activists and a tragic incident earlier this year when an 18‑year‑old tourist fell after a carriage horse bolted.
The carriages, which have run the streets of Manhattan for more than 160 years, are cherished by tourists and locals alike but critics argue that the steeds are forced to work long hours on tight schedules. The ban will force service providers to find safer, more humane alternatives.
Interviewees said the decision marks a shift in how the city balances tradition with modern values of animal welfare. Some carriage owners fear loss of income, while supporters see the ruling as a moral victory.
