Law that would end NYC horse carriage industry debated at City Council public hearing

The future of New York City's century-old horse carriage industry was debated Wednesday at a City Council public hearing.

Animal rights activists have been trying to ban horse carriage rides for decades, and after the death of teenager last month, many politicians are now joining that fight.

Horse carriage proponents, however, argue ending the practice will destroy their livelihood, desert their animals, and disappoint thousands of tourists.

What to know about Romanch's Law

Dueling rallies were held outside City Hall on Wednesday morning as the council met to consider Romanch's Law, which is proposed in memory of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist who was killed while taking a carriage ride with his family inside Central Park on June 17.

His family is urging the council to pass the bill.

Addressing the chamber virtually, Mahajan's parents described the moments the horse took off without a driver and toppled them.

"We couldn't [do] nothing but hold on to each other and scream. My wife fell. Romanch tried to help his mother and he, too, fell," Deepak Mahajan said. "He never moved again. I kept shouting his name, but he did not."

"Please remember his name, Romanch Mahajan. Remember the life he lived and the love he gave to everyone around him and make sure this is the last person to suffer from this industry," said Sovia Thurkal, Mahajan's aunt.

"These animals are not ours"

Some notable New Yorkers made their feelings known inside City Hall.

"These animals are not ours. They are not put on this planet to do our bidding," actress Edie Falco said. 

City Council Speaker Julie Menin has said she supports the proposed law.

"When you combine public space teeming with tens of millions of people and animals that weigh more than 1,000 pounds and possess an instinct to flee, accidents and collisions become inevitable," Menin said.

Horse carriage proponents stand their ground

Members of the horse carriage industry have been adamant in their objection to any legislation that impacts their business.

"We have accidents all over this city with bicycles and e-bikes all the time and they don't do away with someone else's livelihood because of one tragedy. All you do is create more heartbreak," carriage driver Jill Adamski said. "I don't know what I'm going to do. I don't want to give away my horses. I don't want to sell my horses. This is my entire life."

"We are the definition of a lawful, regulated business," carriage driver Christina Hansen said.

Carriage drivers argue if the bill passes they will lose jobs that they've dedicated years to. The legislation includes helping workers transition to new careers in tourism and hospitality.

"I don't want to work in the hospitality industry. I don't want someone to assign me a job. I chose this job," Adamski said.

Drivers are proposing increased safety measures and added training in lieu of a full ban.

The council is expected to vote on the bill next month.