New York City horse carriage workers hold ban rally

NEW YORK (CBS, KYMA) - New York City carriage workers rallied outside City Hall Thursday, asking the City Council not to vote to ban horse carriage riding.

The New York City Council will vote Thursday afternoon on a bill that would ban horse-drawn carriage rides in the city in 2028.

The Romanch's Law is legislation named after 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who died during a carriage accident in June in Central Park.

If the law passes, this will end operations in June 2028, with a transition plan for workers and owners required in 2027.

Carriage workers said the law does not set specific compensation amounts for carriage owners and argue that the plan doesn't go far enough.

Supporters of the legislation said the ban is long overdue and necessary to protect animals and public safety. The bill also calls for humane placement of animals and assistance for displaced workers.

The Transport Workers Union said they will take this to federal court if the law passes.