Carriage Horses in NYC Under Scrutiny After Another Death

A carriage horse named Deniz died suddenly in Central Park on Tuesday after collapsing while attached to a carriage. This incident has renewed calls for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to ban carriage horses in the city.

Horse-drawn carriages have long been a fixture in Central Park, yet the treatment of these horses faces intense scrutiny. Accusations of driver abuse persist. In 2022, the collapse and subsequent death of a horse prompted the introduction of ‘Ryder’s Law’ to ban horse carriages and switch to electric ones. However, the City Council defeated the proposal. Mamdani has stated his support for removing carriages but noted that his ability to act is limited.

Details of Deniz’s Death

An Instagram video by Lenny Bruce depicted Deniz lying on his side, still harnessed to the carriage. Bystanders attempted to free him while he kicked and groaned. The event occurred around 7:30 p.m. “In two seconds, the horse died. Just shook and, I felt like he was going to pee. He just died,” said Nurettin Kirbiyik, the carriage driver, to CBS News. “I lost someone like family.”

A heat advisory was in effect for New York City that day. The cause of Deniz’s death remains unclear, pending a necropsy. Eric Loegel from TWU Local 100 conveyed that Deniz, aged 16, was well-loved by caretakers and fit according to a recent NYPD veterinarian check. Despite sudden health emergencies being common in domesticated animals, Deniz’s death still surprised many.

Bruce, a vocal advocate for animal rights, shared that Deniz was pulling a carriage uphill in Central Park before dying. Bruce remarked about the plight of carriage horses, describing them as “slaves” toiling in the city since the 1800s.

Response and Pressure on Mayor Mamdani

Social media reactions were swift, encouraging Mamdani to ban carriage rides. Many tagged the mayor, demanding action. Corinne Fisher, a former mayoral aspirant, remarked, “Look at this horse’s face. It didn’t just die, it died abused and suffering. This isn’t what NYC is.” Mamdani reiterated his objective to remove the carriages but stressed that the City Council must pass the necessary legislation.

Newsweek contacted Mamdani’s office but received no comments by publication time.

Understanding Ryder’s Law

Ryder’s Law emerged in 2022 after another horse collapsed in Chelsea during extreme heat, dying shortly after and inciting animal rights activism. If passed, the proposal would have prohibited horse-drawn carriages, replacing them with electric ones. New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS) highlighted the frequent collapses and accidents, which endangered horses and humans alike. Despite support from many in New York, the City Council’s Health Committee voted against Ryder’s Law. Then-Mayor Eric Adams criticized the council’s decision, underscoring the risk posed to animals and people.

In contrast, the carriage drivers’ union supported the vote, describing the drivers as dedicated and wrongfully vilified. TWU President John Samuelsen defended the drivers, emphasizing their commitment to horse care.

Recent Carriage Horse Incidents

Prior incidents show the hazards faced by carriage horses. A recent collision in Central Park involved two horses, Otis and Troy. While another, Lady, died after collapsing in Hell’s Kitchen. These events continue to upset those who believe the horses are overworked. Christina Hansen of TWU Local 100 argues that critics misjudge the horses’ tasks, stating, “These horses are literally strolling in the park.”