New York has approved a long-contested measure to prohibit horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, ending a decades-long debate over animal welfare and public safety concerns. The decision follows years of advocacy from animal rights groups and city officials who cited risks of injury to both horses and passengers. Critics of the ban argue it threatens a historic tradition tied to tourism and cultural heritage in the park. The vote caps a contentious chapter in the city’s efforts to balance modern regulations with preserving iconic urban practices.


New York votes to ban Central Park horse carriages after decades of debate  RFI