Major Step Forward for Horses: Horse-Drawn Carriage Ban Surges Forward in New York City
New York City is closer than ever to banning horse-drawn carriage rides. At a City Council Health Committee hearing, supporters packed the room to rally behind Romanch’s Law (Intro 943), named in honor of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist who was killed in a carriage crash in June 2026. The legislation would ban horse-drawn carriage rides in New York City, halting an industry that has put horses and humans in harm’s way for decades.
The hearing featured emotional testimony from members of the Mahajan family, PETA Honorary Director and lifelong New Yorker Edie Falco, horse veterinarians, New York State Assembly members, and representatives from dozens of animal protection organizations. More than 100 advocates submitted testimony in support of the bill, while New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin continued to champion the legislation.
And their message was heard loud and clear: following the hearing, Romanch’s Law secured a majority of City Council cosponsors—a major milestone that moves the life-saving legislation forward to a full Council vote!
Why Romanch’s Law Matters
In June, Deniz, a 16-year-old horse used in the carriage industry, collapsed and died after being forced to pull a carriage in Central Park. Just days later, Romanch Mahajan was killed in a carriage crash.
The bill was originally known as Ryder’s Law, named after Ryder, a horse exploited for carriage rides who collapsed on a Manhattan street in 2022. Video footage showed Ryder struggling to get up as reports indicated that his driver slapped him, whipped him, and screamed at him.
Why Horses Need Our Help
Carriage rides are no walk in the park for horses made to haul them. Operators force them through chaotic city streets, where they dodge cars, inhale exhaust fumes, and pound the hard pavement all day long in sweltering summers and freezing winters. Many suffer respiratory ailments, painful leg and hoof problems, and injuries from accidents.
Help Get Romanch’s Law Across the Finish Line
This latest step forward shows that support for ending horse-drawn carriage rides is stronger than ever.
And public pressure is making a huge difference. After hearing from more than 180,000 PETA supporters, City Council Speaker Julie Menin helped move the legislation forward. Now, as Romanch’s Law heads toward a full Council vote, lawmakers need to continue hearing from people who want a safer, kinder New York City.
Help keep the momentum going. Urge New York City leaders to pass Romanch’s Law and finally end horse-drawn carriage rides in the city.
