Central Park Carriages Saved — NYC Health Committee Blocks Ban After Heated Hearing

Central Park’s horse-drawn carriages will run on — for now

A proposal to ban Central Park’s iconic horse-drawn carriages failed to advance out of the New York City Council’s Committee on Health on Friday after a packed public hearing. The committee voted not to send the measure to the full council, leaving the 150-year-old attraction operating for the time being.

The Transport Workers Union of America, which represents carriage drivers and stable workers, praised the committee’s decision as a defense of its members. "They are hardworking immigrants who take good care of their horses, and have consistently been attacked and slandered by monied interests who care nothing about animal welfare," union president John Samuelsen said in a statement.

“They are hardworking immigrants who take good care of their horses, and have consistently been attacked and slandered by monied interests who care nothing about animal welfare.” — John Samuelsen, Transport Workers Union

Animal-rights groups, however, called the committee vote a "sham" and pledged to continue their campaign. The debate reignited over the summer after a carriage horse collapsed and died near its stables, with photos and video of the scene widely shared online.

Critics say horses working on busy city streets can be easily spooked, leading to accidents and injuries. They also allege horses are overworked, kept in inadequate stables and that some drivers flout city rules, including leaving piles of manure in public areas.

“Horses have collapsed, even dropped dead on the streets recently. Multiple horses have had violent runaway spooking incidents, crashing into vehicles, sending New Yorkers to the hospital, and nearly trampling others.” — New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS)

Mayor Eric Adams, an outgoing Democrat who publicly backed the ban and issued an executive order to increase enforcement, criticized council members for ignoring what he described as the will of the public. "It’s a shame that the City Council has once again refused to follow the will of our citizens, while simultaneously endangering pedestrians, drivers, and animals alike," he said.

The vote in committee came after the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Robert Holden of Queens, invoked a procedural rule to force a hearing and a vote. Holden condemned the result as undemocratic after his bid to advance the legislation was denied.

“This was one of the most undemocratic displays I have ever witnessed in the New York City Council. The Council could not care less what New Yorkers think.” — Council Member Robert Holden

Benjamin Fang-Estrada, a spokesperson for City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, urged a more collaborative approach and suggested the sponsor had not done the necessary legislative work to build support among colleagues.

The Central Park Conservancy — the nonprofit that manages the park’s 843 acres — also supports phasing out the carriage industry, citing public safety concerns and the strain carriage traffic places on park roads as visitor numbers grow.

Advocates on both sides say the issue is far from settled. Animal-rights groups vow to keep pushing for a ban, while carriage workers and their supporters argue for the livelihoods of drivers and the care of the animals. The measure could return to the council in a revised form or resurface in future legislative or administrative actions.