Teen tourist’s death in New York City reignites push to ban horse carriage rides

The death of a young tourist who jumped from a runaway horse carriage in Central Park has intensified calls to ban the old-time attraction from one of New York City’s most recognisable destinations.

Romanch Mahajan, 18, died after he got off the four-wheeled carriage as its horse sprinted through the park without the driver.

He was believed to be the first person to die in a horse carriage accident since they were introduced in Central Park more than 150 years ago, according to the union representing the industry and the Central Park Conservancy, which manages the 341-hectare park.

The conservancy was among those arguing Thursday that the carriage industry should be suspended until more protections can be put in place. Mahajan’s death was the eighth horse-related incident in the park over the past 13 months, the group said.

“The record is undeniable: crashes, runaways, horse deaths, injuries, and now a devastating loss of human life,” said Edita Birnkrant, head of the animal welfare group New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets.

Animal rights activists have long said the carriage horses were overworked, can get easily spooked on city streets and live in inadequate stables while their drivers regularly flout city rules. All of those allegations have been denied by the horse and carriage owners, who say the animals are well cared for and the stables are fine.