The grieving family of a teenager who died in a horrific horse-drawn carriage crash in New York City is pleading with officials to ban the controversial industry, saying their son’s death should lead to meaningful change.

The incident has renewed calls to phase out horse carriages in Central Park, with City Council Speaker Julie Menin endorsing “Romanch’s Law,” named after the victim. The proposed legislation would stop new licenses and allow existing ones to expire by June 2028, while providing job training for drivers and retirement plans for the horses.

Animal advocates and safety experts point to multiple violent incidents involving startled horses in recent years, arguing the practice is outdated, dangerous, and cruel. A recent poll showed strong public support for a ban.

Carriage operators, however, defend the tradition as part of New York’s heritage and a source of livelihoods.

The family’s emotional appeal comes as a City Council committee holds hearings on the issue, hoping the tragedy will finally spur reform.

Sources:NY POST