#ryders-law

#ryders-law

New York City is moving toward phasing out Central Park's horse drawn carriages by June 2026. The proposal is known as Ryder's Law. It would replace horses with electric carriages on city streets. According to the Mayor's Office of the City of New York, the goal is better welfare for animals and safer traffic for everyone. Supporters say a busy city is no place for working horses in heat, noise, and unpredictable congestion.

The Central Park Conservancy has taken a public stand on the contentious issue of horse-drawn carriages, urging for a ban due to safety and sanitation concerns. "We do not take this position lightly," wrote Betsy Smith. "Simply put, this practice is no longer compatible with the realities of a modern public space." The Conservancy pointed out recent incidents, including two runaway horses and complaints about manure left on drives, as evidence of the risks involved.