Dozens of politicians, activists, and animal advocates gathered at NYC City Hall to demand the passage of “Ryder’s Law,” a bill sponsored by Queens Council Member Robert Holden that aims to end the horse-drawn carriage industry in New York City. The rally followed a recent court verdict acquitting a carriage driver accused of abusing a sick horse named Ryder, which reignited concerns over the welfare of carriage horses and the city’s regulatory oversight. Advocates argue that current regulations fail to protect the animals, calling for systemic reforms and accountability from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which has been criticized for lapses in enforcement.

Opponents of the ban, including veteran carriage driver Christina Hansen, warn that shutting down the industry would jeopardize the horses’ well-being by leaving them without care and put many drivers out of work. Hansen emphasized that the union representing carriage drivers has made improvements in horse care and safety since 2022. Despite these differing views, supporters of Ryder’s Law remain determined to end the carriage trade, citing the collapse and death of Ryder as a tragic example of the industry’s inherent cruelty.