The City Council Committee on Health on Friday voted against a bill that would have banned horse carriages in Central Park.

The bill, named “Ryder’s Law” after a horse that collapsed on a Manhattan street two years ago and eventually died, was introduced by Queens Councilmember Bob Holden as part of an effort to replace horses with electric alternatives by June 2026.

What You Need To Know

The City Council Committee on Health on Friday voted against a bill that would have banned horse carriages in Central Park

The bill, named “Ryder’s Law” after a horse that collapsed on a Manhattan street two years ago and eventually died, was introduced by Queens Councilmember Bob Holden as part of an effort to replace horses with electric alternatives by June 2026

The Transport Workers Union, which represents carriage drivers, has been opposed to barring horse carriages from the park, saying it would result in job losses

Mayor Eric Adams came out in support of the ban in September, calling on the City Council to act. Animal rights groups say the fight isn’t over

“This was one of the most undemocratic displays I have ever witnessed in the New York City Council,” Holden said in a statement. “The Council could not care less what New Yorkers think. Even a member of the Committee said openly that decisions are made behind closed doors with Council leadership and special interests, not with the public.”

The Transport Workers Union, which represents carriage drivers, has been opposed to barring horse carriages from the park, saying it would result in job losses.

In a statement, TWU International president John Samuelsen reiterated his call to build a stable inside Central Park.

“As long as the stables occupy valuable Manhattan real estate, the issue will never completely go away,” Samuelsen said. “A stable in Central Park would be the best route forward for the workers and the horses. That should appease a significant number of critics who don’t like the fact the horses now walk short distances from their stables to the park on city streets.”

Mayor Eric Adams came out in support of the ban in September, calling on the City Council to act.

“As I often say, there are 8.5 million New Yorkers with more than 35 million opinions, but the vast majority of New Yorkers – regardless of party or belief – agree that it’s time we ban horse carriages now to keep our city safe, clean, and strong,” Adams said in a statement Friday.

Animal rights groups say the fight isn’t over.

“PETA is confident that with compassionate councilmembers already committed to reintroducing this bill next term, the question isn’t if New York will ban horse-drawn carriages, it’s when,” PETA director Ashley Byrne said in a statement, in part.