A survey funded by a union reveals that the majority of frequent visitors to Central Park in New York City do not support the proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages by the city council, but rather hope that the carriages continue to operate, preserving this historical tradition.
The survey, commissioned by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and conducted by the political consulting company Slingshot Strategies, targeted residents who visit Central Park at least once a month. The results showed that 57% of the respondents wish for the continuation of horse-drawn carriages, with only 37% in support of the ban. After receiving more information on the issue, the support for the ban decreased to 24%, while opposition to the ban increased to 60%.
Before gathering opinions, the researchers introduced the history of the horse-drawn carriages to the respondents, stating that “since the opening of Central Park, carriages have been a part of it,” highlighting that carriages not only provide a unique experience for visitors but also offer stable employment for union members. The survey also explained Ryder’s Law, named after a horse that collapsed on the streets of Manhattan three years ago, which calls for the phased elimination of horse-drawn carriages by June 1, 2026.
In the survey, 60% of respondents believed that horse-drawn carriages are an “eternal tradition” of Central Park and should be preserved, while 30% considered them outdated and in need of elimination. 70% felt that carriages add to the beauty and charm of Central Park, serving as a highlight that attracts tourists, and 66% believed that if the carriages were removed, the park would lose some of its uniqueness and iconic status.
Earlier this year, Mayor Adams of New York City signed an executive order requiring the city government to prepare for the elimination of horse-drawn carriages, citing concerns that “the carriages are no longer safe and do not meet humane standards.”
However, carriage operators and the union emphasize that the horses undergo regular veterinary check-ups and have designated rest periods, and that the ban would only result in the carriage stables on the west side of Manhattan being taken over by luxury developers.
TWU President John Samuelsen stated, “This survey conveys a clear message: New Yorkers do not accept politicized anti-carriage rhetoric. Carriages are a part of the soul of Central Park, a living, historical, and warm tradition that citizens want to see preserved rather than erased.”
It is worth noting that the survey results from animal rights organizations differ significantly from this recent poll. In 2022, a survey conducted by the Voters for Animal Rights Association (VFAR) and the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) indicated that when respondents were informed of potential animal abuse suffered by horses, 71% of New York voters supported a complete ban on horse-drawn carriages.
The Slingshot Strategies survey was conducted from September 29 to October 5, interviewing a total of 738 New York City residents, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.