Editor’s note: Before the Mayoral election, Curtis Sliwa and Mayor Adams were united on one issue: horse-drawn carriages may seem romantic, but they’re not suitable for the streets of Manhattan. The horses are treated like cars rather than animals that can be injured by fellow drivers, and there are allegations and prosecutions of abuse by the caretakers of these horses.
Curtis Sliwa to Speak at NYC Council Hearing today in support of Romanch’s Law
Calls for IMMEDIATE BAN on horse-drawn carriages
NEW YORK, NY — Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and one of New York City’s most prominent animal welfare advocates, will speak today at the New York City Council hearing on Romanch’s Law (Int. 0943), the landmark legislation that would phase out the city’s horse-drawn carriage industry. He will be joined by his wife, Nancy Sliwa, a tireless champion for animal rights across the five boroughs. The hearing begins at 10:00 AM at City Hall.
The legislation, now named Romanch’s Law in memory of 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan, who was tragically killed after being thrown from an out-of-control carriage in Central Park on June 17, represents the most significant opportunity in years to end an industry that Curtis and Nancy Sliwa have long condemned as cruel, dangerous, and deeply out of step with New York City’s values.
“Horse-drawn carriages are a barbaric practice, plain and simple,” said Curtis Sliwa. “These animals are beasts of burden, working to exhaustion on hot asphalt and in chaotic traffic, all so tourists can snap a photo. It needs to end. Now.”
Sliwa, who ran for NYC Mayor on a dedicated Independent “Protect Animals” ballot line in addition to the Republican Party line, has been among the most vocal and consistent public voices demanding a ban on horse-drawn carriages. He has rallied outside Manhattan Criminal Court during animal abuse trials, participated in organized protests in Central Park, and has repeatedly called on the City Council to act, arguing that the carriage industry operates with unchecked neglect and abuse of horses.
Nancy Sliwa has been equally outspoken. Following the death of a carriage horse due to abuse, Nancy Sliwa said, “This horse has died today because of abuse and a City Hall that won’t ban horse carriage rides. It’s disgusting.”
Curtis and Nancy have passionately detailed incidents of runaway horses injuring New Yorkers, alleged use of electric shock devices on horses to make them appear lively to tourists, and the failure of city leadership to protect these animals.
“This horse has died today because of abuse and a City Hall that won’t ban horse carriage rides. It’s disgusting.” – Nancy Sliwa
Curtis has also accused carriage industry backers of corrupt dealings, stating that “there is money under the table to the TWU leadership,“ a claim that drew a legal threat from the Transport Workers Union, which Curtis stood behind.
Today’s hearing comes at a pivotal moment. Following Romanch Mahajan’s death, public support for the ban has surged, with a recent poll finding that approximately 68–70% of New Yorkers now support legislation to bar horse-drawn carriages from city streets. The bill has gained significant momentum in the Council, with over 21 co-sponsors, nearing the 26 votes needed for passage. Council Speaker Julie Menin has publicly pledged her support, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani has voiced backing for the bill’s goal.
“The tragedy of Romanch Mahajan’s death should never have happened,” said Curtis. “How many more people have to be hurt? How many more horses have to collapse and die on these streets? The City Council has a chance today to do the right thing for the animals, for the public, for New York City.”
Nancy added, “We have been fighting this fight for years. The horses cannot speak for themselves, so we will speak for them — loudly — until this city finally acts.”
Curtis and Nancy Sliwa urge all New Yorkers who care about animal welfare and public safety to make their voices heard during today’s hearing.
About Curtis Sliwa:
Curtis Sliwa is the founder of the Guardian Angels, the internationally recognized public safety organization. A former Republican and Independent candidate for NYC Mayor, Curtis has made animal welfare a cornerstone of his public advocacy, including the ban of horse-drawn carriages, the push for no-kill shelters, and stricter prosecution of animal abusers.
About Nancy Sliwa:
Nancy Sliwa is an animal rights advocate, cat colony caretaker, and co-founder of the Guardian Angels Animal Protection Program. She has been active in legislative efforts to protect animals across New York City.
Below, please find a statement from PETA Director of Outreach Ashley Byrne regarding today’s New York City Council Health Committee hearing on Intro 943—Romanch’s Law (formerly known as Ryder’s Law).
The bill is named after 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who was tragically killed after falling from a runaway horse-drawn carriage in Central Park while trying to save his mother; it was previously named after Ryder, a horse who collapsed on Ninth Avenue and later died.
“Today’s hearing was a resounding victory for horses and public safety. Thanks to the voices of PETA Honorary Director Edie Falco, Speaker Julie Menin, the Mahajan family, animal protection organizations, veterinarians, and hundreds of compassionate New Yorkers, Romanch’s Law now has a majority of cosponsors, bringing us closer than ever to a ban on New York City’s deadly horse-drawn carriage industry.
As Falco proclaimed, ‘From the deepest part of my heart, these animals are not ours. They are not put on this planet to do our bidding,’ and now these horses, and the people of this great city, may soon see a future free from this dangerous, archaic industry as Romanch’s Law advances to a full council vote.”
Edie Falco (right) with New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin today. Photo: PETA
Edie Falco (right) with New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin today. Photo: PETA
Collina Strada Designs Shirt in Support of NYC’s Horse-Drawn Carriage Ban
New York — Just in time for Wednesday’s City Council hearing on the proposed horse-drawn carriage ban, Romanch’s Law—formerly known as Ryder’s Law—New York–based fashion brand Collina Strada has teamed up with PETA to launch a limited-edition shirt calling for an end to horse-drawn carriages. Proceeds will be donated to The Coalition for Responsible Carriage Horse Retirement, a coalition of horse rescuers, advocates, and sanctuaries committed to ensuring safe and reputable homes for every horse used by the New York City carriage industry following the passage of a ban.
The shirt arrives at a pivotal moment: In June, Deniz, a 16-year-old horse, collapsed and died while being forced to pull a carriage in Central Park. Just days later, a carriage crash caused the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan. The legislation, now known as Romanch’s Law in his honor, was originally named after a horse named Ryder after video footage of him collapsed on Ninth Avenue went viral, and reports that his driver slapped him, whipped him, and screamed at him to get up sparked outrage.
Credit: Collina Strada x PETA
“These horses suffer in the shadows of our city’s most beautiful landmarks, and this shirt gives everyone a way to speak up for them,” says Collina Strada creative director Hillary Taymour. “We’re partnering with PETA to urge the City Council to pass Romanch’s Law immediately, before any more horses or humans are injured or killed.”
Horses in the carriage industry are forced to toil in all weather extremes—dodging traffic, inhaling exhaust fumes, and pounding hard pavement all day long—leading to respiratory ailments and debilitating leg problems. Impatient and careless drivers have caused multiple incidents in which carriages have been hit, injuring and killing both horses and humans.
The shirt is available now at CollinaStrada.com.
Banner Image: Shirt supporting horse drawn carriage ban. Image Credit: Collina Strada x PETA
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