The end is finally in sight for horse-drawn carriages in New York City. Mayor Eric Adams has signed an executive order targeting the carriage industry, putting it on track for a complete ban by the end of 2026. The decision follows a string of safety incidents and growing concerns about the welfare of the horses who work long hours in busy traffic and extreme weather.
The executive action pressures the City Council to pass Ryder’s Law, named after a horse who collapsed on a Manhattan street in 2022. The bill would phase out the use of horse carriages and replace them with modern, electric alternatives that keep both people and animals safe. Advocates argue the shift would not only protect horses from cruel conditions but also improve safety for riders and pedestrians.
For years, activists and residents have pushed for this change, pointing to frequent accidents and the outdated nature of using horses in one of the world’s busiest cities. Supporters of the ban say the new alternatives would honor tradition while moving toward a future that better reflects New York’s values of compassion and innovation…