NYC to phase out horse carriages by 2028 after Romanch Mahajan death

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin have agreed to a deal phasing out the city's horse-drawn carriage industry, with a ban set to take effect in June 2028. The legislative move, expected to be voted on next week, follows the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan in June after he fell from a carriage, an incident that prompted the bill to be renamed Romanch’s Law. The industry, which has operated in New York for over a century, faces termination amid ongoing public safety concerns and animal welfare disputes.

Carriage operators argue the ban unfairly targets a historic tradition while ignoring similar businesses. Frank Riccobono, owner and manager of NYC Horse Carrides, questioned why pedicabs remain permitted while the 168-year-old carriage service is dismantled. Riccobono, who owns 12 horses and three carriages, stated that the measure threatens his livelihood and a family legacy spanning generations. He noted that his father worked in the industry for 47 years and that many colleagues rely on their medallions for retirement income. Riccobono purchased his medallion for nearly $400,000 and said the bill provides no reimbursement for this investment.

Under the proposed legislation, owners may keep, sell, or transfer their horses, provided the animals are not sent to slaughter or used for inhumane purposes. However, Riccobono emphasized that he can no longer use his horses for carriage rides within the city. He rejected accusations of mistreatment, claiming his horses receive regular veterinary care and live in ideal conditions. Riccobono described the criticism as "brainwashing" and stated he intends to continue challenging the bill, which he considers unconstitutional.

Natalie Riccobono, Frank’s wife, warned that the loss of income would prevent their family from maintaining their current standard of living. She stated that removing the business would directly impact their ability to afford food and shelter. Meanwhile, Christina Hansen, a veteran driver and shop steward for Transport Workers Union Local 100, said drivers have not received direct communication from Mayor Mamdani regarding their transition. Hansen argued that the primary cruelty in the industry lies in how workers are treated rather than how horses are cared for. She expressed concern that rescue facilities, already strained by declining donations, may lack the resources to care for the horses once national attention fades.

Mamdani stated on Wednesday that the city has a civic responsibility to ensure no worker is left behind during the transition. He and Menin have pledged to assist the roughly 200 carriage drivers in finding new employment opportunities. A spokesperson for Menin said she invited the union and administration to join a working group to develop a framework for better economic opportunities. Menin emphasized that the transition must include meaningful protections for workers. This attempt to end the industry follows a similar pledge by former Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2014, which ultimately failed. Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani's offices for further comment.