Overview

• Executive Order 56 directs the NYPD to prioritize actions against illegal solicitation and carriage use in traffic and bike lanes, launches a voluntary license-return process, and tasks agencies with identifying new jobs for drivers.
• The mayor sent a letter of necessity to let the City Council expedite consideration by waiving the usual aging period for the bill.
• Ryder’s Law would halt new licenses, require humane disposition of retired horses, target a June 1, 2026 phaseout, and consider electric carriages as a tourism alternative.
• City Hall cited a series of incidents, including Ryder’s 2022 collapse, the death of a horse named Lady on Aug. 5, and multiple runaway episodes in Central Park this year.
• Supporters include the Central Park Conservancy and NYCLASS, while TWU Local 100 denounces the plan and Council leaders question the timing as the chamber has not committed to a vote; the industry includes about 68 carriages and roughly 200 licensed horses.