City Council rejects bill to ban horse carriages in Central Park, known as ‘Ryder’s Law’.

In a significant move, the Health Committee of the New York City Council voted to reject “Ryder’s Law,” a proposed legislation aimed at prohibiting the operation of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. This decision marks a critical point in the ongoing debate surrounding the horse carriage industry in the city, reflecting the complexities and polarizing views that surround the issue.

The bill, introduced by outgoing Queens Councilman Bob Holden, faced a disheartening fate during the committee session, with only one member supporting it, while four members opposed it and two abstained. Notably, several committee members, including potential Council speaker contender Julie Menin, did not attend. It is uncommon for bills to proceed to a committee vote without sufficient backing, underscoring the lack of consensus on the future of horse carriages in New York.

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who will exit her role at the end of her term, has consistently declined Holden’s requests for a hearing or vote on the bill, which sought to address long-standing concerns surrounding animal welfare associated with the carriage industry. Despite not being a member of the Health Committee, Holden leveraged a procedural maneuver requiring a vote or hearing within 30 days, leading to Friday’s deliberation.

During the proceedings, Holden attempted to advocate for a full hearing on the bill rather than a direct vote but was met with opposition from Health Committee Chairwoman Lynn Schulman. Following her dismissal of his request, Holden expressed anger at the committee’s decision, labeling it as discriminatory, though he provided no further details on his claims.

The struggle against the Central Park horse carriage industry has persisted for years, highlighted by previous efforts from former Mayor Bill de Blasio to ban the practice, which faltered before his departure from office in late 2021. Advocates for animal rights continue to argue for a total ban, spotlighting instances of horses collapsing in urban settings as evidence of mistreatment. However, the city’s Transport Workers Union (TWU) maintains that banning the carriages would jeopardize the livelihoods of numerous drivers, advocating instead for measures that ensure the welfare of the horses while allowing the industry to continue.

The recent committee meeting attracted considerable attention, with both TWU members and animal rights activists attending in large numbers, leading to the establishment of overflow rooms to accommodate the crowd.

Though the defeat of Holden’s bill may seem like a setback, the dialogue surrounding the horse carriage industry is far from over. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, set to take office on January 1, has expressed his support for banning the industry, while also emphasizing the need for discussions with the TWU to explore potential solutions, such as transitioning to electric carriages.

In the coming months, the new Council will likely need to introduce fresh legislation akin to Holden’s proposal to seek a viable path forward for those advocating for the ban. Additionally, conflicting positions from various stakeholders continue to shape the narrative, as shown by the recent lawsuit filed by the TWU against the animal advocacy group NYCLASS, alleging misinformation aimed at gaining support for the horse carriage ban.

As the complexities of this issue unfold further, it remains to be seen how the debate will evolve under new leadership and potential changes in public sentiment. The implications of the Council’s decision extend beyond the immediate concerns, as it touches on broader societal considerations regarding animal welfare, labor rights, and the future of urban transportation in New York City.

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