Horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park have been halted after the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who died after jumping from a runaway horse carriage. The union representing carriage drivers, TWU Local 100, announced a safety stand-down, which will remain in effect through Sunday, with no rides offered.

Safety Concerns

The incident has intensified calls to ban the old-time attraction from one of New York City’s most recognizable destinations. The Central Park Conservancy has argued that horses can no longer safely share park roads with joggers, cyclists, pedestrians, and motorized scooters.

Animal rights activists have long said that the carriage horses are overworked, can get easily spooked on city streets, and live in inadequate stables, while their drivers regularly flout city rules. However, carriage industry leaders have denied these allegations, stating that the animals are well cared for and the stables are fine.

Industry Response

The owner of the carriage involved in the fatal crash has suspended the driver indefinitely and plans to retire the horse from the business. The union has announced that legislation recently introduced into the council would improve safety by installing hitching posts throughout the park, allowing drivers to safely tether and secure their horses.

New York City leaders have vowed to work swiftly to end the industry in the wake of Romanch’s death. City Council Speaker Julie Menin said the legislative body would hold a hearing next month on a long-simmering bill that would ban horse carriages and help drivers transition into new jobs.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.