NYC Council Committee on Health Hearing on Horse-Drawn Cab Ban (July 15, 2026)

The New York City Council Committee on Health, chaired by Lynn C. Schulman, held a hearing on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, to discuss Introduction 943, a local law to prohibit the operation of horse-drawn cabs in New York City, also known as "Ramanch's Law." The hearing was prompted by the June 17, 2026 death of 18-year-old Ramanch Mahajan, who was killed when a horse-drawn carriage horse bolted in Central Park. The bill would prohibit new horse carriage operator licenses after June 1, 2028, and ban horse-drawn cab operations after that date. It also requires a workforce development program for displaced workers and humane disposition of horses. The hearing included emotional testimony from the victim's family, administration officials, industry representatives, union members, animal welfare advocates, and many members of the public.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mahajan Family (Priya, Deepak, Gaurav, Natig, Sowjeta, Anish Thukral): The family described the tragedy in detail, expressing that Ramanch's death was preventable and that the industry should be banned immediately. They urged passage of Intro 943 to honor Ramanch's memory and prevent future deaths. They also requested a permanent memorial at the site of the accident.
• Corinne Schiff (Deputy Commissioner, NYC Health Department) and Carlos Ortiz (Chief of Staff, DCWP): The administration expressed support for the intent of the bill but criticized insufficient worker protections. They provided data on horse licenses, driver training, and enforcement challenges. They noted 160 licensed horses, 208 driver licenses, and 68 carriage licenses. They acknowledged the need for better workforce transition language.
• State Senator Eric Bocha (testifying): Expressed strong support for the bill, stating it is the best path forward for workers and that the industry cannot be reformed.
• Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal: Supported the ban, citing decades of horse deaths and injuries. Named several horses that died in the industry.
• Ashley Byrne (PETA): Argued that regulation cannot make the industry safe, and that the industry has a history of noncompliance. Supported the ban.
• Edie Falco (actress and animal advocate): Urged the council to pass the ban, emphasizing that horses are not ours to use for entertainment.
• Bob Holden (former Councilmember, original author of the bill): Stated that the bill would have shut down the industry on June 1, 2026, and that Ramanch died on June 17, 2026, because of obstruction by previous leadership.
• Adita Berncrant (Night Class): Reported that some current carriage owners want to exit the business due to safety concerns, and that hitching posts are not a solution.
• Dr. Craig Kulakowski (equine veterinarian, remote): Testified that independent veterinary exams last year revealed widespread scars, lameness, and lack of pasture access. Owners refused blood testing and lameness evaluations.
• Borough President Brad Hoylman-Siegel: Presented data on 96 serious incidents and 40 horse deaths since 1982. A Columbia University forecast model predicts 16-30 more incidents by 2030 if no action is taken.
• John Torello (TWU Local 100 President): Opposed the ban, arguing that the industry is safe and that workers' livelihoods will be destroyed. Called for tabling the bill and considering alternative safety measures.
• Connor McHugh (carriage driver/owner, 40 years): Opposed the ban, stating that the industry is being targeted by real estate interests and animal rights activists. Denied claims of animal abuse.
• Christina Hansen (shop steward, TWU Local 100): Defended the industry's safety record and the care horses receive. Argued that horses can work safely in the city.
• Dr. Gabriel Cook (equine surgeon): Stated that the horses he treats are not abused, and that a ban would likely lead to horses being sent to slaughter due to lack of sanctuary capacity.
• Sharice DeBose (political director, TWU Local 100): Criticized the legislative process, saying council members signed on without meeting workers. Called the hearing a "kangaroo court" and demanded just compensation for owners.
• Numerous other public speakers testified both in support and opposition, with many drivers and owners expressing love for their horses and fear for their livelihoods, and many animal welfare advocates citing the inherent dangers and cruelty of the industry.

Discussion Items

• Councilmember Gennaro questioned the administration's lack of enforcement data and criticized the mayor's support for the ban, arguing that the industry can be reformed. He advocated for an alternative bill (Intro 937) that would increase safety measures.
• Councilmember Marte (sponsor) rebutted claims that reform is possible, citing 128 documented accidents in 34 years and the industry's refusal to allow independent vet exams. He emphasized that the bill includes workforce development and that sanctuaries are ready to take horses.
• Speaker Julie Menon committed to ensuring displaced workers find good-paying jobs, and to ensuring horses are treated humanely. She noted that 70% of New Yorkers support the ban.
• Councilmember Epstein questioned the administration about worker protections and the timeline for workforce development.
• Councilmember Morano pressed the administration on whether any regulation can eliminate the innate risk of horses bolting, and asked if the health department would approve such an industry today. Deputy Commissioner Schiff implied it would not.
• Councilmember Ariola questioned the independence of contract veterinarians and expressed concern about oversight.
• Councilmember De La Rosa raised concerns about other tourism-related industries (helicopters, pedicabs) that also have fatalities, urging a broader look at safety.

Key Outcomes

• No vote was taken. The hearing was for testimony only; the bill was laid over by the committee.
• The administration expressed support for the bill's intent but requested stronger worker protection language. They committed to working with the council on amendments.
• The committee will accept written testimony for 72 hours after the hearing.
• Next steps: The committee will review all testimony and consider amendments before a potential vote. Speaker Menon stated a commitment to move the bill forward.