Under one of the most iconic skylines in the world, the future of NYC horse-drawn carriages lies in the crossfire. Expanding momentum to phase out the harmful industry. These carriages, which have been doing business on the same route for more than 150 years, have become a beloved icon of the park’s beauty. Animal rights activists are sharply critical of them, arguing that the welfare of the horses is endangered.
The death of a carriage horse earlier this month in front of its stable sent the issue back into the spotlight. Videos and photos of the entire incident quickly went viral across social media, leading to further outrage and scrutiny of the industry. This most recent incident has reignited the conversation on how these horses are treated. These deep-seated frustrations have been expressed for centuries.
Former Mayor Bill de Blasio promised to end the horse carriage trade. He met intense pushback from city council members who claimed the service was essential and based on tradition. As a new administration comes into focus, the Central Park Conservancy could not be more pleased to offer our support. They support a plan to phase out the industry by as soon as next summer.
Currently, only 68 licensed carriage owners are supposed to be actively working in Central Park. They maintain a herd of over 200 horses and hire nearly 170 drivers. The horses may be subjected to more stringent rules. Their workdays are limited to nine hours and workers must observe mandatory breaks when temperatures reach above 89°F (32°C) or over 80°F (27°C) at high humidity.
Carriage horses would need minimum five weeks of vacation time annually outside the city’s jurisdictions. They require year-round, daily access to pasture in order to flourish. Further, they are mandated to be inspected by veterinarians two times a year, their working age is limited to 26 years.
Edita Birnkrant, an animal rights advocate, stated,
“There’s simply no way to operate horse-drawn carriages and have it be safe or humane for the horses.”
Supporters of the industry contend that it offers an enriching experience for tourists and locals alike. Onur Altintas, a carriage owner, defended his business by emphasizing his care for the horses:
“My horses, I give them a nice life.”
The growing tide against horse-drawn carriages is not confined to New York City. Retreating from the practice, fortunately, other cities across North America have already taken steps to phase it out or ban the practice entirely. Chicago passed a ban on horse-drawn carriages in 2021, and Montreal passed a ban the year before that. After San Antonio approved a five-year phase-out plan for the industry last year, it became a marker of changing sentiment toward the welfare of these equines.
As discussions continue, Elizabeth Smith, a member of the Central Park Conservancy, pointed out the need for evolution in how people interact with Central Park:
“We can’t be just frozen in time.”
It’s a bold proposal that has raised both cheers and jeers among New Yorkers. Not everyone agrees. This decision has been hailed as a major victory for ensuring animal welfare. Many others hold dear the custom and happy memories associated with romantic carriage rides through the park.
Christina Hansen, another regular Central Park visitor, spoke in favor of the carriages. She stated,
“We’re seeing the park the way it was meant to be seen.”
As the discussion continues, city leaders will have a tough balancing act to perform. They have to walk the line between promoting animal rights activism and protecting a beloved slice of New York City’s cultural legacy. People in favor of both proposals are voicing their advocacy like crazy. They patiently wait for decisions in lawsuits that might radically change one of the city’s most beloved and visited attractions.
