The City Council’s Health Committee voted down Ryder’s Law, a bill aimed at phasing out New York City’s horse-drawn carriages in favor of electric alternatives. Championed by Queens councilmember Robert Holden, the bill was inspired by the 2022 collapse of a carriage horse named Ryder and sought to end the 167-year-old carriage trade. Despite public support from animal rights advocates and Mayor Eric Adams, who reversed his stance to back the ban, the committee rejected the measure, with opponents citing job preservation for immigrant families and concerns over misinformation.

The debate remains deeply polarized, with carriage drivers celebrating the vote as a victory for tradition and livelihood, while advocates vow to continue pushing for change, including plans for public hearings. The issue is further complicated by recent incidents involving carriage horses and the cautious approach of the incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani. For now, horse-drawn carriages continue to operate in Central Park, their future uncertain amid ongoing political and public contention.