Calls for Permanent Ban on Horse-Drawn Carriages in NYC After Tragic Incident

Renewed Demands for Ban on Horse-Drawn Carriages

Following the tragic death of an 18-year-old tourist from India due to a runaway horse-drawn carriage in Central Park, animal rights activists are intensifying their calls for New York City to impose a permanent ban on these rides. The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) Local 100 has temporarily halted carriage rides until at least Tuesday, labeling this pause as a "safety stand-down" to reassess operational procedures and training protocols.

Romanch Mahajan tragically lost his life after being thrown from a carriage when a horse bolted while transporting his family. Advocacy groups are urging Mayor Zohran Mamdani to utilize his executive authority to permanently eliminate the carriage industry. Edita Birnkrant, the executive director of New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets, emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, "There must not be one more turn of a horse-drawn carriage wheel in New York City ever again." She argued that no amount of regulation can mitigate the inherent risks posed by large animals.

PETA has also joined the call for a suspension of operations while lawmakers deliberate on legislation aimed at phasing out horse-drawn carriage rides in city parks. They highlighted that the recent fatal incident was preventable and criticized the City Council for inaction. "They need to get these dangerous carriages off the streets," the organization stated.

While the mayor's office has not yet responded, Mamdani has previously indicated his support for ending horse-drawn carriage rides, promising to ensure a just transition for workers involved. Reports indicate that the horse bolted while the carriage driver was momentarily away from his seat, taking a photo of the family. Video footage captured the horse racing away before the carriage crashed, resulting in Mahajan's fatal injuries. His family has since returned to India.

The carriage driver, Ertan Gokdepe, expressed his condolences to the family when approached by reporters. The city's medical examiner confirmed that Mahajan's death was due to blunt force trauma. In response to the incident, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin announced a hearing on proposed legislation known as Ryder's Law, scheduled for July 15. This bill is named after a carriage horse that collapsed and was euthanized in 2022.

Menin stated, "The death of Romanch Mahajan was a horrific tragedy, and after a series of deeply troubling incidents, it is clear that the status quo is no longer acceptable." The upcoming hearing will involve various stakeholders and will address public safety, animal welfare, and the livelihoods of carriage drivers. The TWU has confirmed that rides will remain suspended while drivers participate in safety training sessions. The union plans to conduct training in Central Park using horse-drawn carriages, although passenger rides will not resume until Tuesday. The TWU has previously noted that the driver involved in the incident should not have left his seat. Alexander Kemp, the administrative vice-president of TWU Local 100, expressed the union's commitment to enhancing safety measures, stating, "Our hearts go out to the family of Romanch Mahajan. Words can't express the enormity of this tragedy. We are taking the first steps towards addressing safety issues."