Under the proposal, carriage operations would be phased out by June 1, 2028, and the city would develop a workforce transition plan to help affected drivers find other employment. The legislation would also require horses to be transferred or retired “humanely” and prohibit their sale for slaughter or use in another carriage business.

Supporters say the change is necessary to address safety and animal welfare concerns in an increasingly crowded park. However, the Transport Workers Union, which represents carriage workers, has criticized the proposal, arguing that it does not provide sufficient financial protections for the workers and families whose livelihoods depend on the industry.

Banning horse-drawn carriages because of a tragic accident is like banning kitchen knives because someone was injured with one, or banning cars because someone died in a crash. Tragedies deserve serious attention, and safety measures should be strengthened wherever necessary. But the fact that an activity carries risks does not automatically justify eliminating it altogether. The focus should be on enforcing safety regulations, holding those responsible for negligence accountable, and preventing future accidents, not rushing to ban a longstanding tradition because of a single tragic incident.

The City Council is scheduled to vote on the bill on October 22. If approved, it would bring a nearly 30-year political battle over New York’s horse-drawn carriage industry to a close.