Mayor Eric Adams has recently shifted his stance to support a ban on horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, citing concerns over public safety and animal welfare following several incidents involving horses collapsing or bolting in the city. While horse-drawn carriages have been a historic part of Central Park since the 19th century, Adams emphasized the need to modernize the park’s use and protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. He signed an executive order to prepare for the ban and to facilitate the voluntary return of licenses from carriage operators, promising to help those affected find new employment opportunities and exploring electric carriage alternatives.
The move has drawn mixed reactions: the Transport Workers Union Local 100, representing many carriage drivers, criticized Adams for abandoning working-class New Yorkers and accused animal rights groups of ulterior motives tied to real estate interests. Conversely, animal rights advocates like New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS) praised the mayor for taking lifesaving steps to end what they describe as dangerous and inhumane practices. Other political figures, including Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, have also supported the ban, highlighting a rare consensus on ending horse-drawn carriage rides in New York City.
