Romantic horse drawn carriages through Central Park may soon be a thing of the past if the new bill that bans them in New York is passed.

Although animal rights activists have been pushing for the ban, others are protesting the bill saying that a complete ban would be a serious blow to the industry and put many drivers and their families in financial jeopardy.


Mayor Bill de Blasio made banning horse drawn carriages one of his campaign promises. The introduction of the bill to the City Council on Monday was bringing him one step closer to fulfilling that promise.

If passed, the ban would occur in steps, one of the first would be to halt the renewal of licenses for horse carriages, most of which will expire in 2016.

According to reports, Mayor Blasio will not let the drivers suffer from the loss of their livelihood and he will introduce a new mode of tourist transportation that they can do to earn money to support their families.

Upper Manhattan City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez fully supports the Mayor's efforts.

"We should be able to create a win-win situation where those hard working men and women that depend on this industry they should get a good job to continue to bring their income to the family," says Rodriguez. 

New modes of tourist transport could include electric cars and trolleys or green taxis.

Despite promises that they will still have jobs if the ban is put in full effect, rallies are expected to be held outside City Hall as the bill is discussed.

Supporters of the bill argue that New York City is not a natural environment for the horses and forcing them to do menial labor like pulling carriages all day goes against their natural instincts.

Meanwhile, those against the bill are reluctant to see one of New York's longest standing traditions die off, and continue to worry about the over 300 families who depend on the industry to survive.

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