NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A new coalition of City Council members is vying to finally ban horse-drawn carriages after a yearslong debate.
The bill being introduced by Queens Democratic Councilman Robert Holden will swap the horse-drawn carriages for e-carriages by June 2024.
"The time has come," he told 1010 WINS' Newsline with Brigitte Quinn. "This is the 21st Century. We shouldn't have horses serving man for our pleasure."
If passed, the legislation would give horse drivers preferences for licenses to operate horse-drawn carriages and require that they be paid prevailing or union wages set by the city comptroller, the New York Post reported.
Holden noted the maltreatment of horses, particularly during the sweltering summer days in the city, as one reason for the push.
"Obviously, on a day like today, it would be a problem," he added. "It's very hot and these horses have been suffering. We've seen problems with horses. Horses are flight not fight animals, meaning when a loud nose goes off when they sense danger, it causes them to sprint away until they feel a sense of safety."
That risk could "jeopardize everyone," according to Holden.
According to the bill, the new electric carriages would be limited to speeds of no more than 25 miles per hour, while in Central Park they would be limited to speeds of three miles per hour.
Holden has joined nine other members of the group, who represent a wide range of ideologies, in the hope of outlawing a practice that former Mayor Bill de Blasio reportedly tried to outlaw at the end of his term but failed to do so.
Edita Birnkrant, executive director of New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets, heralded the bill to the Post, saying it will put "innovation over exploitation."
"The year is 2022, not 1822. It’s long overdue for city leaders to transition away from carriage horses and end this obsolete abuse once and for all, as most other large cities have already done," she said. "Let’s pass this bill and get it done."
While some skeptics and horse drivers have criticized the bill for breaking with a city tradition, including one driver who told the outlet that it would be like riding around in a golf cart in Central Park," Holden said the modern carriages "can still be charming" and provide an incentive for them as well.
"These drivers would obviously have more days to work," he added. "Many more days because when the heat index reaches a certain amount they can't work. When the weather is inclement or [snowy,] they can't work. With these horseless carriages, electric carriages, you can work in all types of weather."
Mayor Eric Adams has not been in favor of banning the horse-drawn practice. Meanwhile, his spokesman, Fabien Levy, told the Post Tuesday that his administration will review the legislation "if and when it is introduced."
The coalition is expected to discuss the measure at a Thursday press conference.
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