NYC Mayor Mamdani Hears Testimony on Bill to Ban Horse Carriages by 2028

Mayor Zohran Mamdani heard public testimony Wednesday on Romanch's Law, a bill that would ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City by 2028. The City Council had already passed the legislation by a 40–7 margin. The bill is named after Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist from India who was killed when a startled horse threw him from a carriage in Central Park. Horse carriages have been a fixture of Central Park for more than 160 years. The law requires a transition plan for workers and owners in 2027 and calls for the humane placement of the animals. Mamdani has indicated he plans to sign the bill, though he has not yet done so. At Wednesday's hearing, supporters said the ban would protect people and animals and honor the Mahajan family's fight for the legislation, while critics argued the bill was built on vague promises to people who are losing everything. The Transport Workers Union is separately challenging the law in federal court.