Home / Disasters and Accidents / Indian Teen's Death Inspires NYC Horse Carriage Ban Bill
Indian Teen's Death Inspires NYC Horse Carriage Ban Bill
23 Jun
Summary
- Bill banning NYC horse carriages renamed Romanch's Law.
- Teenager died after trying to help his mother from a runaway carriage.
- Industry to phase out by 2028, with no new licenses issued.
A bill in New York City, originally known as Ryder's Law, has been renamed 'Romanch's Law' to honor Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old Indian national who recently died after a tragic incident involving a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park. Mahajan lost his life when he fell from the carriage while trying to help his mother after the horse bolted.
Council member Christopher Marte announced the renaming at a vigil held in Central Park. The bill seeks to ban horse-drawn carriages by phasing out the industry and prohibiting the issuance of new operating licenses. This ban is scheduled to take effect by June 1, 2028.
The Animal Legal Defence Fund and the Central Park Conservancy have expressed deep concern over the welfare of the horses and the risks associated with their operation in busy urban environments. They have long advocated for a ban, citing incidents of horses working in extreme weather and potential public safety hazards.
Mahajan's family has called for an immediate halt to horse carriage operations, viewing the industry's resumption of passenger tours as a profound insult and a threat to public safety. They emphasize that human life should be prioritized over tourism in the city.
