Rebecca Manzi New York City Mayor Eric Adams supports Ryder’s Law, which aims to phase out horse-drawn carriages in Central Park by 2026, replacing them with electric vehicles and ensuring better treatment for the horses.
@Mingyang LIU/Pexels
The iconic horse-drawn carriages of Central Park could soon become a thing of the past. New York City Mayor Eric Adams is backing a proposal known as Ryder’s Law, which aims to phase out an industry that poses risks to both horses and pedestrians. The plan involves the gradual removal of horses from the streets, a ban on new licenses, and the introduction of support programs to help carriage drivers transition to electric-powered vehicles. Meanwhile, the city is stepping up enforcement of regulations to ensure public safety and animal welfare.
The origin of Ryder’s Law
Ryder’s Law is named after Ryder, a horse that collapsed in the streets of Manhattan in 2022 after being forced to work while sick and malnourished. This tragic event highlighted the systemic cruelty within the industry, where horses endure heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and inadequate rest and care. The proposal, championed by Councilman Robert Holden, aims to end these practices by ensuring that the horses are moved to sanctuaries and that the drivers are given professional training to secure alternative employment.
Reactions to the proposal
The Transport Workers Union (TWU), which represents 170 carriage drivers and other workers, has launched a $1 million advertising campaign attacking Mayor Adams and accusing him of betraying the workers. The campaign, which has appeared in local media, questions the merits of the proposal and underscores the mayor’s alleged ties to animal rights groups like NYCLASS.
However, Adams has the backing of the majority of New Yorkers: surveys indicate that 71% of city residents support the end of horse-drawn carriages. A spokesperson emphasized that the goal is to protect both animals and citizens while offering the drivers alternative job opportunities. The mayor has stressed that horse-drawn carriages are incompatible with a busy, modern urban park, pointing to recent incidents in which horses have dangerously bolted.
Moving towards a safer future
Ryder’s Law represents a chance for New York to become a more modern and animal-friendly city, following in the footsteps of other metropolises that have already banned horse-drawn carriages. The law seeks to replace the carriages with electric, eco-friendly alternatives, ensuring the protection of animals, guaranteeing public safety, and promoting progressive urban values. It is time to put an end to these outdated and cruel practices, moving toward a future that respects both the environment and the well-being of all New Yorkers.
Sources: In Defense of Animals/ Ryder’s Law – Animal Legal Defense Fund
