New York City Council passes carriage horse ban; Humane World for Animals calls vote a landmark step for horse welfare

Historic measure will protect nearly 200 horses from the dangers of New York City's streets while ensuring their humane future

NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, today celebrates the City Council's passage of Intro 943, legislation ending horse-drawn carriage operations in New York City.

"Today's vote marks a historic milestone for animals," said Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals. "For decades, New York City's carriage horse industry has operated on a fantasy that these horses can carry some semblance of a former world. But animals are not inert icons; they are living, breathing individuals with needs, instincts and intentions all their own. By ending the use of horse-drawn carriages, the City Council has recognized that no maintenance of tradition should come at the expense of risks to animals and people."

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has 30 days to sign Intro 943, veto or to allow the bill to pass without action on his part.

The legislation follows years of accidents, injuries and deaths that have endangered horses used in New York City's carriage horse industry. Among them was the June 2026 death of Deniz, a 16-year-old carriage horse who collapsed while pulling passengers in Central Park. The public has also been in danger due to this cruel business. Debates on the future of the carriage horse trade came to a head after the tragic death of 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan in a separate runaway carriage incident in June.

Together, these incidents reinforce what animal welfare experts have long maintained: horses are highly sensitive animals with powerful flight instincts who do not belong amid the traffic, noise and congestion of New York City's streets. A Humane World for Animals report further details concerns about the care and oversight of the city's carriage horses. Their presence on the streets creates risks and hazards for vehicles in the city, and the interests of both people and horses would be better served by a transition to other means of conveyance and an alternative livelihood program to serve drivers and others displaced by the end of the trade. Humane World for Animals had called upon the city government, businesses and the tourism industry to develop a new and better approach to showing off the city to visitors.

The organization recognizes Council Member Chris Marte, Speaker Julie Menin and Health Committee Chair Lynn Schulman for their leadership in advancing this landmark legislation and their commitment to protecting both horses and New Yorkers.

Dozens of rescues, sanctuaries and nonprofit organizations, including Humane World for Animals, have offered placement options for horses currently working in the city. The legislation passed by the City Council and state law both prohibit the horses from being sold for slaughter.

About Humane World for Animals

Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work happening in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering. As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruelest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world.
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SOURCE Humane World for Animals.