New York City Council Votes to Ban Central Park Horse-Drawn Carriages by June 2028
Photo: Fox NewsNew York City Council voted 40-7 on Thursday to abolish the horse-drawn carriage industry in Central Park, with a phase-out due by June 1, 2028. The bill, Intro 943, known as Romanch's Law, is backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. It is named for Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist who died after jumping from a runaway carriage in the park; his mother was also injured. The bill sets up a transition plan for the roughly 200 drivers and requires humane disposition of the horses. Councilwoman Vickie Paladino called it unconstitutional and said lawsuits would follow. President Donald Trump criticized the end of the tradition on Truth Social.
Right-leaning outlets lead with legal trouble and Trump's reaction, quoting Paladino, carriage operators and Trump, and noting the family's $105 million claim. Left-leaning outlets stress the historic vote, credit animal rights activists, note the ban is not immediate, and describe drivers' fears. BBC, in the alternative group, profiles driver Alexus Lawson, who disputes mistreatment claims, alongside residents who welcome the ban and cite horse deaths.
How the sides differ Right sources stress legal challenges and Trump's criticism; left sources stress the historic vote and drivers' futures; alternative sources feature drivers disputing mistreatment claims alongside residents backing the ban.
Headline, comparison and summary written by AI from the articles below. AI can make mistakes, so check the original articles before relying on a detail.
CNN and Politico lead with the vote ending a 150-year tradition, noting animal rights activists' long campaign, the delayed phase-out and drivers' worries about their future.
BBC leads with driver Alexus Lawson's worries about her horse and livelihood, adds drivers disputing mistreatment, and quotes a resident who cites horse deaths in the park.
Fox News and Just the News lead with expected lawsuits, quoting Councilwoman Vickie Paladino and carriage operators, and with Trump's Truth Social posts lamenting the ban, alongside a Mamdani spokesperson's statement.