New York City Bans Horse-Drawn Carriages, Starting June 2028
The law ends a 150-year tradition and blocks owners from selling the horses to be killed or sending them to other carriage lines.
Bloomberg Daybreak: US Edition · Trump Seeks to Boost Iowa Republicans, Musk Midterm Giving Tops $445 MillionThe New York City Council voted to ban horse-drawn carriages, with the ban starting June 1, 2028.
The law ends a 150-year tradition going back to the 19th century that became popular with visitors. It also bars owners from selling the horses to be killed or sending them to work for other carriage businesses.
The vote followed a long-running disagreement about whether horses belong on city streets.
The carriages were popular with tourists, but animal welfare advocates had opposed them for years. Activists argue that city work exposes horses to heavy traffic, loud noise, extreme heat and cold, and long hours pulling loads on hard pavement. They have also raised concerns about rest and the risk of accidents.
Operators have generally said the horses are well cared for and closely regulated.
Questions people ask
What will happen to the horses once the ban takes effect?
The ordinance blocks two specific outcomes, sale for slaughter and transfer to another carriage company. That leaves owners to retire, rehome, or place horses in rescues, sanctuaries, or private homes. The details of any city transition or retirement program were not included in this report.
Do other major cities still allow horse-drawn carriages?
Yes. Cities including New Orleans, Charleston, Philadelphia, and Chicago still allow horse-drawn carriages, generally under local permits covering routes, hours, weather limits, and veterinary checks. Rules vary widely, and several cities have tightened restrictions after safety and welfare debates.