After more than 160 years, the iconic horse-drawn carriages are being banned in New York.
New York City has voted to ban horse-drawn carriages starting June 2028, following decades of animal welfare debates and serious accidents. The decision was influenced by the tragic death of an 18-year-old tourist who fell from a carriage. Since 1982, 40 horses have died in Central Park due to various causes, including overheating and collisions. While the ban aims to protect horses, it threatens the livelihoods of around 200 carriage drivers, who argue that they adhere to strict regulations and care for their horses. Mayor Zohran Mamdani supports the ban and promises assistance for affected workers, but concerns remain about the future of the horses and the adequacy of support for their care.