New York City Votes to Phase Out Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
A City Council vote brings New York's carriage horses closer to a quieter life away from the busy streets.
New York City's carriage horses are a step closer to a life free from pulling tourists through busy streets.
On 22 October, the City Council voted 40–7, with two abstentions, to pass Romanch's Law.
The bill will wind down the city's horse-drawn carriage industry, with the changes set to take effect by 1 June 2026.
The vote marks a significant milestone for campaigners who have long called for an end to the practice.
The outcome was welcomed by Lady Freethinker, an Ecoflix partner, which has advocated for the horses' welfare.
For years, these horses have worked amid heavy traffic and crowds in one of the world's busiest cities. The new law signals a clear path towards retiring them from that work.
With the Council's decision now in place, attention turns to ensuring a smooth transition as the industry is wound down ahead of the June deadline.
It is a hopeful result that reflects growing public support for compassionate treatment of working animals.
For supporters who have followed the campaign, the vote offers encouragement that change is possible through steady, determined advocacy.
You can watch the story of the work being done to protect animals through Ecoflix and its partners.