NEW YORK CITY— Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, today celebrates the City Council’s passage of Intro 943, legislation ending horse-drawn carriage operations in New York City.
"Today's vote marks a historic milestone for animals,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals. “For decades, New York City's carriage horse industry has operated on a fantasy that these horses can carry some semblance of a former world. But animals are not inert icons; they are living, breathing individuals with needs, instincts and intentions all their own. By ending the use of horse-drawn carriages, the City Council has recognized that no maintenance of tradition should come at the expense of risks to animals and people.”
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has 30 days to sign Intro 943, veto or to allow the bill to pass without action on his part.
The legislation follows years of accidents, injuries and deaths that have endangered horses used in New York City's carriage horse industry. Among them was the June 2026 death of Deniz, a 16-year-old carriage horse who collapsed while pulling passengers in Central Park. The public has also been in danger due to this cruel business. Debates on the future of the carriage horse trade came to a head after the tragic death of 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan in a separate runaway carriage incident in June.
Together, these incidents reinforce what animal welfare experts have long maintained: horses are highly sensitive animals with powerful flight instincts who do not belong amid the traffic, noise and congestion of New York City's streets. A Humane World for Animals report further details concerns about the care and oversight of the city’s carriage horses. Their presence on the streets creates risks and hazards for vehicles in the city, and the interests of both people and horses would be better served by a transition to other means of conveyance and an alternative livelihood program to serve drivers and others displaced by the end of the trade. Humane World for Animals had called upon the city government, businesses and the tourism industry to develop a new and better approach to showing off the city to visitors.
The organization recognizes Council Member Chris Marte, Speaker Julie Menin and Health Committee Chair Lynn Schulman for their leadership in advancing this landmark legislation and their commitment to protecting both horses and New Yorkers.
Dozens of rescues, sanctuaries and nonprofit organizations, including Humane World for Animals, have offered placement options for horses currently working in the city. The legislation passed by the City Council and state law both prohibit the horses from being sold for slaughter.
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Frequently asked questions
The law would go into effect on June 1, 2028. The New York City Council voted on Oct. 22, 2026, to end horse-drawn carriage operations in the city through Intro 943. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has 30 days to sign the legislation, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature.
Horses are highly sensitive animals with powerful flight instincts who do not belong amid the traffic, noise and congestion of New York City’s streets. Humane World for Animals has long raised concerns about the dangers and cruelty associated with the carriage horse industry and has always supported transitioning away from the practice.
Humane World for Animals found major gaps in how New York City’s carriage horses are monitored and protected. Records about individual horses, their ownership and work hours were not always complete or consistent, and there was no comprehensive system in place to track each horse throughout their time in the industry and into retirement. The evidentiary review also identified gaps in reviewing incidents and enforcing existing rules.
Dozens of rescues, sanctuaries and nonprofit organizations, including Humane World for Animals, have offered placement options for the horses currently working in New York City. Humane World for Animals has advocated for the horses to be retired to sanctuaries.
Yes. In dense urban settings like New York City, carriage horse operations have long been associated with accidents, injuries and deaths involving both horses and people. In June 2026, Deniz, a 16-year-old carriage horse, collapsed and died while working in Central Park. That same month, 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan died in a separate runaway carriage incident. These incidents highlight the real risks that carriage horses pose to themselves, passengers and others on busy New York City streets.