Dead teen's parents testify, demand NYC horse carriage ban
MANHATTAN (WABC) -- The family of a teenage tourist killed in Central Park made an emotional plea to ban horse carriage rides in New York City during a Council hearing on "Romanch's Law" on Wednesday.
The bill could determine the future of the city's horse-drawn carriage industry. The legislation would phase out the iconic Central Park attraction following a series of serious incidents, including a fatal crash last month.
Supporters of the measure, known as "Romanch's Law," say the bill is needed to improve public safety after eight serious carriage-related incidents over the past two years. The legislation would stop the renewal of two-year licenses for the city's 68 horse-drawn carriages, effectively ending an industry that has operated in New York for more than 150 years.
The push for change gained momentum after 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan was killed last month when he was thrown from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park.
His aunt and uncle appeared in person to testify at the hearing while his mother and father joined via Zoom from India.
"I want you to imagine what it is like watching your son die in front of you," the victim's father, Deepak Mahajan, said.
The teen's mother sat silently next to her husband and wiped tears from her face. It is the first time the couple has been seen publicly since their son was killed.
"I cannot properly describe to you the real true fear inside that carriage, it was shaking, it was speeding, there was no one holding the rein, and we could do nothing but hold onto each other and scream," Mahajan said.
During Wednesday's marathon hearing, advocates of the bill say the industry is outdated and inhumane like that of circus animals.
"The fact that there's anybody in this room that can look at an animal with the apparatus and the carriage and the people and the traffic and the sounds and the smells and the heat and say 'sure, yeah, that's reasonable,'" said actor and animal rights advocate Edie Falco.
With the council speaker firmly on board, ending the horse carriage industry may finally have the support it needs to become law.
"The time to act is now. Nearly 70% of New Yorkers are supportive of phasing out this practice," said City Council Speaker Julie Menin.
But the horse-carriage industry had plenty to say as well, not only defending their profession, but criticizing some Council members for supporting a ban before hearing from all stakeholders.
"A couple of occasions you have referenced there's big real estate here. This is something that really rubs me, myself and my owners," said Conner McHugh, a horse medallion owner.
"This issue around horse-drawn carriages in Central Park has been a discourse for many administrations now," said Carlos Oritz of the New York City Department of Worker Protections.
A key focus of the hearing was what would happen to workers if the industry were phased out. Menin said she is exploring opportunities in the hospitality sector for those who could lose their jobs.
"There's been no discussion with local 100 about what that particular job is. Workforce development is a lovely word. But I don't know what it is," said John Chiarello of TWU Local 100.
The drivers testified they don't want to leave their current jobs or their horses.
"I could not imagine being ripped away from working beside my heart in horse form," said carriage driver Alexis Lawson. "Just the thought of not being able to work beside my horse is soul crushing. No one sees the dedication and love we share."
The Mahajan family's attorney said it is not the carriage driver's fault, but the city is to blame for not banning the carriages sooner.
"The City of New York is responsible and liable for this death; they have known for decades and decades of the dangers of horse-drawn carriages, no tethering posts, no hitching points, not one single safety device can secure a 2,000-pound animal from the tourists and residents of this city, in the world's busiest city, in the world's busiest park."
The horse carriage industry and its union representatives are pushing an alternative proposal that would add hitching posts around Central Park and allow the business to continue operating.
Mayor Mamdani has expressed support for the legislation's intent but has raised concerns about its impact on workers whose livelihoods depend on the industry.
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