In response to public safety and animal welfare concerns, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has taken a firm position against horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, announcing plans to introduce electric alternatives as part of a shift away from traditional practices. Adams has called upon the City Council to pass Ryder’s Law, a bill that proposes a gradual phase-out of the antiquated carriages, however, the bill has been stalled for over a year in the Council chambers, according to a release from the Mayor's Office.
At the same time, Mayor Adams signed Executive Order 56, a measure intended to strengthen oversight of the horse-drawn carriage industry and to develop employment alternatives for impacted drivers. While acknowledging the importance of tradition, the Mayor stated that practices must adapt to reflect current societal values. These steps serve as a foundation for anticipated City Council legislation, which the Mayor has been actively encouraging. The proposed reforms focus on public safety and the ethical treatment of horses. Support for a ban has increased, with 71 percent of New Yorkers in favor following the recent death of a carriage horse named Lady, which renewed public attention on the industry's practices.
A series of incidents involving harm to both horses and members of the public has raised ongoing concerns about the safety of horse-drawn carriage rides. Last month, a carriage horse named Lady collapsed and died on a New York City street. Earlier this year, a runaway carriage without a driver led to passengers jumping out to avoid injury. In another incident in May, bolting horses caused multiple injuries, including a broken wrist sustained by a driver. These events have drawn public attention and contributed to growing concerns about the compatibility of horse-drawn carriages with the conditions of a modern, high-traffic urban environment.
Mayor Adams is moving forward with efforts to transition away from the horse-drawn carriage industry, proposing the introduction of electric carriages in Central Park. His plan includes increased oversight of the current industry and the development of alternative employment opportunities for existing carriage operators. Executive Order 56 supports this transition, but final decisions rest with the City Council, which holds the authority to enact legislative changes. As part of his public remarks, Mayor Adams stated in a press release, "This is not about eliminating this tradition — it's about honoring our traditions in a way that aligns with who we are today," referring to the need to balance historical practices with evolving standards related to safety and animal welfare.
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