The Central Park Conservancy has publicly opposed horse-drawn carriages in Central Park for the first time, citing safety concerns, damage to park roads, and incompatibility with increasing park usage. The nonprofit supports a City Council bill, known as Ryder’s Law, which aims to phase out carriage horses by 2026 and assist drivers in transitioning to other jobs. This stance follows recent incidents involving runaway horses and a horse’s death in Hell’s Kitchen, which have intensified calls from animal rights groups to end the carriage trade. The Conservancy highlighted issues such as road degradation from heavy carriages, sanitation violations, and safety risks to park visitors.

City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, expressed sadness over the recent horse fatality and are exploring measures to improve safety, while the City Council continues to deliberate on the bill. However, the carriage drivers’ union strongly condemned the Conservancy’s position, arguing it threatens the livelihoods of about 200 workers and criticizing the lack of consultation. The debate reflects a growing tension between animal welfare advocates and industry supporters over the future of horse-drawn carriages in New York City.