Speaker Julie Menin Announces Support for Romanch’s Law to End Horse-Drawn Carriages in Central Park

Speaker Menin becomes first sitting Council speaker to publicly support legislation to end horse-drawn carriages in Central Park

Ahead of Health Committee hearing, Speaker calls for transition that protects public safety, animal welfare, and workers

NEW YORK, NY - New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin today announced her support for Romanch's Law, legislation before the City Council that would phase out horse-drawn carriages in Central Park while ensuring protections for the workers whose livelihoods have long depended on the industry.

Tomorrow, the Council's Committee on Health will hold the first hearing on the legislation. Speaker Menin's announcement marks an historic moment, as no sitting Council Speaker has previously publicly supported legislation to end the practice of horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park.

"Last month, 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan was killed after he was thrown from a horse-drawn carriage while visiting New York City to celebrate his high school graduation. His death was heartbreaking, and it was preventable," said Speaker Julie Menin. "That tragedy is why I have decided to support Romanch's Law, legislation that would begin the transition away from horse-drawn carriages as a tourist attraction in Central Park - for the safety of New Yorkers, visitors from around the world, and the horses themselves. At the same time, we have a responsibility to the hardworking New Yorkers who have built their livelihoods in this industry and we must ensure they have access to quality employment opportunities, including within New York City's hospitality and tourism sectors, while also guaranteeing a safe and humane future for the horses. I look forward to working with workers, labor, advocates, and stakeholders throughout this process to achieve a transition that is safe, fair, and worthy of one of the world's greatest public parks."

The Speaker also issued a video statement announcing her support for the legislation here.

Speaker Menin's announcement comes after two serious horse-drawn carriage incidents in recent months, including the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who was killed last month after being thrown from a runaway carriage in Central Park, and amid growing public support for ending the practice.

The legislation would phase out horse-drawn carriage operations in Central Park while establishing a framework for a safe and orderly transition for workers and horses. The City Council will formally begin considering the legislation at tomorrow's hearing before the Committee on Health.

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