PETA Statement re Horse Carriage Overturning in Central Park

For Immediate Release:
May 18, 2026

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Below, please find a statement from PETA Director Ashley Byrne in response to today’s incident in New York City in which a horse pulling a carriage reportedly became startled and collided with another horse-drawn carriage, injuring the driver:

Today’s horse-drawn carriage accident in the city is more of the same. Fortunately, no one was killed this time, but history tells us there will be a next time as long as horses are forced to navigate and endure the stress and chaos of New York City traffic, crowds, and noise. It’s past time for the New York City Council to pass Ryder’s Law and end this dangerous, archaic industry before the next carriage overturns, the next horse collapses, or the next person gets seriously hurt or killed.

PETA notes that Ryder’s Law—named after a horse who collapsed on Ninth Avenue and later died—would ban horse-drawn carriages. Horses forced to haul carriages are subjected to exhaust fumes, extreme weather, and the constant threat of traffic accidents. Multiple incidents have occurred in which carriages have been hit by cars or horses have spooked and bolted, putting everyone at risk.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kitsfor people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.