Mamdani’s Horse Carriage Ban Faces Lawsuit Threat Ahead of Council Vote
Andrew Powell · Oct 22, 2026 · 2 min read
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s plan to eliminate horse-drawn carriage rides is already facing a legal challenge before the City Council has even voted on the proposal.
City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino told Fox News that Intro 943, known as Romanch’s Law, was unconstitutional and predicted that lawsuits would be filed if the measure passed.
“There will be a lawsuit coming up because this is unconstitutional,” Paladino said, adding that the legislation would quickly become tied up in court proceedings.
The City Council is scheduled to vote Thursday on the measure, which would end New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry by June 1, 2028. The proposal also calls for a transition program for carriage drivers and provisions for the humane disposition of the horses.
The legislation was named for Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist who died after jumping from a carriage that had reportedly run out of control in Central Park. Mahajan’s mother was also injured in the accident.
Mamdani’s proposal has received support from animal rights organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, commonly known as PETA. Supporters have argued that ending carriage rides would improve animal welfare and address safety concerns.
Paladino, however, said the legislation could put the financial stability of carriage operators at risk. She noted that many of the people working in the industry are immigrants and small-business owners who rely on the rides for their income.
The councilwoman also argued that the carriages have long been part of the city’s tourism appeal. Visitors from around the world seek out the rides, she said, making the industry both a source of employment and a recognizable New York attraction.
Paladino questioned whether replacing the carriages with electric bicycles and scooters would necessarily make Central Park safer. She pointed to what she described as dangerous speeds and a lack of licensing, registration and insurance among some riders.
“If the Mamdani administration truly cared about public safety, why don’t they get a handle on the scooter and bike industry?” Paladino said.
The dispute is not limited to City Hall. The union representing carriage workers has also indicated that it intends to take the matter to court if the proposed ban becomes law.
With the council vote approaching, the legislation could therefore face a legal battle over both its constitutionality and its effect on an industry that has operated in New York City for decades.