The animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has announced a high-profile partnership with the New York-based fashion house Collina Strada to release a limited-edition garment designed to amplify the legislative push against New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry. This collaboration coincides with intensified deliberations within the New York City Council regarding the passage of Intro. 573, popularly known as Romanch’s Law, which seeks to phase out horse-drawn carriages and replace them with electric-powered alternatives. The initiative marks a strategic intersection of high fashion and animal rights activism, leveraging Collina Strada’s reputation as a pioneer in sustainable and vegan-friendly design to influence public policy and urban animal welfare standards.
The centerpiece of the collaboration is a limited-edition shirt that serves as a wearable manifesto for equine advocates. Collina Strada, led by creative director Hillary Taymour, has long been recognized for its commitment to social and environmental issues, previously gaining acclaim for producing the first vegan-friendly UGG boots. This latest venture focuses specifically on the plight of the roughly 200 horses currently working in Manhattan, providing a visual platform for a movement that has gained significant momentum following a series of high-profile accidents and fatalities involving carriage horses and pedestrians.
Legislative Background: The Path to Romanch’s Law
Romanch’s Law represents one of the most significant legislative challenges to the horse-drawn carriage industry in decades. The bill, primarily sponsored by Council Member Robert Holden, is named in memory of two separate but interconnected tragedies that underscored the risks inherent in operating large animals in dense urban environments. Originally, the legislation was inspired by "Ryder," an elderly carriage horse who collapsed on a busy Manhattan street in August 2022. However, the bill was later renamed to honor Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old who lost his life in a carriage-related accident.
The proposed legislation aims to provide a transition period during which the current carriage industry would be phased out. In its place, the bill proposes the introduction of "e-carriages"—electric, vintage-style vehicles that would allow drivers to maintain their livelihoods while removing live animals from the equation. Proponents of the bill argue that this modernization is necessary to ensure public safety and to align New York City with other major global metropolises, such as London, Paris, and Barcelona, which have already restricted or banned similar practices.
Chronology of Incidents and Public Outcry
The momentum for Romanch’s Law has been fueled by a chronological series of events that animal welfare experts describe as a pattern of systemic neglect and inherent danger.
In August 2022, the collapse of Ryder became a viral sensation and a catalyst for political action. Video footage captured the horse struggling to stand on 9th Avenue while the driver was seen striking the animal. Subsequent investigations revealed that Ryder was significantly older than the age reported in official records and was suffering from various underlying health conditions, including malnutrition and neurological issues. Ryder was eventually euthanized, sparking a massive protest at City Hall.
The year 2024 saw a further escalation of incidents. In June, a 16-year-old horse named Deniz collapsed and died while working in Central Park. The death occurred during a period of high temperatures, raising questions about the enforcement of heat-safety regulations for working animals. Only days later, the industry faced a human tragedy when Romanch Mahajan was killed in a carriage crash. These back-to-back incidents galvanized the New York City Council to reconsider the urgency of Intro. 573.
Data and Animal Welfare Concerns
The advocacy for a ban is supported by a growing body of data regarding the physiological and psychological impact of urban environments on horses. Unlike their counterparts in rural or agricultural settings, NYC carriage horses are subjected to a unique set of stressors that veterinarians argue are incompatible with their biological needs.
Respiratory and Musculoskeletal Issues:
Data from equine health studies indicate that horses working on city streets are at a higher risk for respiratory ailments due to the constant inhalation of vehicle exhaust fumes. Furthermore, the constant "pounding" on asphalt and concrete leads to chronic lameness and hoof deterioration. Horses are designed to walk on soft surfaces; the hard pavement of New York City causes concussive damage to their joints over time, leading to painful conditions such as laminitis and arthritis.
Environmental Stressors:
The "urban heat island" effect in New York City means that street temperatures can be significantly higher than those recorded in shaded parks. Horses, which dissipate heat less efficiently than humans, are prone to heatstroke and dehydration when forced to pull heavy loads in high humidity. Conversely, during winter months, these animals are exposed to freezing winds and salted roads, the latter of which can irritate their hooves and skin.
Traffic Safety Statistics:
Public safety records show that the interaction between unpredictable animals and heavy traffic is a recipe for disaster. Horses are "flight" animals, meaning they are prone to spooking at loud noises, sudden movements, or flashing lights—all of which are ubiquitous in Midtown Manhattan. Between 2011 and 2024, dozens of accidents involving carriage horses, cars, and pedestrians have been documented, resulting in injuries to both humans and animals.
Official Responses and Industry Perspectives
The push for Romanch’s Law has met with significant pushback from the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100, which represents the carriage drivers. Industry representatives argue that the horse-drawn carriage trade is an iconic part of New York City’s tourism economy and a tradition that dates back over 150 years. They contend that the horses are well-cared for, receiving regular veterinary checkups and mandated rest periods.
"These horses are our livelihoods and our family," stated a representative for the Historic Horse-Drawn Carriages of Central Park in a recent public forum. "We follow strict regulations, and the incidents cited by activists are outliers, not the norm. Removing the carriages would destroy hundreds of jobs and a piece of New York history."
In contrast, PETA and its supporters, including Collina Strada’s Hillary Taymour, argue that tradition is not a justification for cruelty. In a statement regarding the collaboration, PETA emphasized that horses are social, intelligent individuals rather than "taxis." The organization has called upon City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and other key leaders to fast-track the legislation, arguing that the transition to electric carriages offers a "win-win" solution that preserves jobs while protecting animal welfare.
Broader Implications and the Future of Urban Tourism
The debate in New York City reflects a broader global shift in the ethics of tourism. As consumers become more conscious of animal welfare, "humane tourism" is becoming a priority for travelers. The success of the PETA and Collina Strada collaboration suggests that the movement to ban carriages is moving into the mainstream, garnering support from the influential fashion and lifestyle sectors.
If Romanch’s Law is passed, New York City would become the largest city in the United States to implement such a ban. This would likely set a precedent for other American cities, such as Philadelphia and Charleston, where similar carriage industries operate under heavy scrutiny. The move toward electric, "e-carriages" also aligns with New York’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and modernizing urban transport.
Conclusion and Current Status
As of late 2024, Romanch’s Law remains under consideration by the New York City Council’s Committee on Health. The collaboration between PETA and Collina Strada aims to keep the issue in the public eye, ensuring that the deaths of Ryder, Deniz, and Romanch Mahajan are not forgotten. Advocates continue to urge Speaker Julie Menin and other council members to bring the bill to a vote, citing the moral and safety imperatives of ending a "bygone era" of animal labor.
The fashion industry’s involvement highlights a new era of advocacy where consumer products and legislative action work in tandem. By wearing their "heart on their sleeve," supporters of the PETA and Collina Strada initiative are signaling a demand for a New York City that prioritizes the safety and dignity of all its inhabitants, whether they walk on two legs or four. The outcome of this legislative battle will ultimately determine whether the clip-clop of hooves on Manhattan’s streets remains a fixture of the city or becomes a chapter in its history books.
