A horse pulling a tourist carriage collapsed on a New York City street this week, renewing calls to ban the city’s horse-drawn carriage industry.
Video of the incident circulated widely on social media after it was shared by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which urged supporters to contact city officials in support of Ryder’s Law — proposed legislation that would prohibit horse-drawn carriages and replace them with electric alternatives.
City officials have not released detailed information about the horse’s condition as of publication. Witness footage shows the animal struggling to stand while handlers and bystanders attempted assistance.
Mayor’s Position
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly expressed support for ending horse-drawn carriage operations in the city. Mamdani has indicated that he supports transitioning away from the practice, aligning with advocacy groups that argue carriage horses should no longer be used in urban tourism.
Ryder’s Law, named after a carriage horse who collapsed in 2022, would phase out the industry and establish a transition program for carriage drivers.
Industry and Regulatory Background
Horse-drawn carriages operate primarily around Central Park and are regulated by city rules governing work hours, temperature limits, veterinary oversight, and stable conditions.
Industry representatives maintain that the practice is safe, historic, and economically important for drivers. Animal advocacy organizations dispute that position, arguing that operating horses in dense traffic, on asphalt streets, and in variable weather conditions presents inherent welfare risks.
Legislation to ban carriage horses has been introduced multiple times in recent years but has not passed the City Council.
Policy Outlook
The latest collapse is expected to increase pressure on city leadership and lawmakers to revisit pending legislation.
No formal announcement has been made regarding additional investigations or immediate policy changes related to this incident.
The Humane Herald 