New York City’s Horse Carriage Industry Faces Legislative Battle

In New York City, a long-standing tradition is at risk. Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to end the horse-drawn carriage industry, and drivers are voicing concerns about the impact.

Mamdani, alongside City Council Speaker Julie Menin, announced a deal to phase out horse-drawn carriages by June 2028. This comes amid ongoing public safety concerns following the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, which prompted the bill, now called “Romanch’s Law.”

Animal rights activists have long criticized the industry, citing horse mistreatment. Incidents of horses collapsing or running into traffic have fueled efforts to shut down the industry. Frank Riccobono, owner of NYC Horse Carriage Rides, argues the 168-year-old tradition is unjustly targeted and that his investment in medallions, worth nearly $400,000, will be lost without compensation.

The legislation allows horse owners to keep, sell, or transfer their horses, provided they’re not used for slaughter, other carriage businesses, or other “inhumane purposes.” Despite assurances, Riccobono and others fear losing their livelihoods, impacting their family traditions in horse care and carriage driving.

Christina Hansen, a seasoned carriage driver and spokesperson for Transport Workers Union Local 100, asserts that workers are being neglected in this transition. Hansen cautions that promised rescues or sanctuaries are underfunded and may not support the horses, once public attention declines.

Mamdani and Menin propose job transitions for the 200 drivers affected, but concrete plans remain unclear. Hansen encourages Mamdani to engage directly with the drivers to better understand their perspective. Efforts to ban the industry have been attempted before, notably by former Mayor Bill de Blasio, but opposition continues.

In response, Riccobono vows to keep fighting against the legislation, defending his rights, the horses, and their legacy in the city.