'Struggled in agony': NYC Carriage horse collapses and dies in Central Park, advocates say

A 16-year-old horse named Deniz collapsed and died Tuesday while pulling a carriage in New York City’s Central Park, leaving witnesses in shock and prompting renewed demands to end the city’s horse-drawn carriage trade. The incident unfolded in front of passengers and parkgoers, who shared videos showing the horse thrashing on the ground with its tongue hanging out. Edita Birnkrant, executive director of New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS), described the death as agonizing, calling it part of a pattern of repeated horrific incidents involving carriage horses. The death occurred as animal rights advocates gathered outside City Hall to push for Ryder’s Law, legislation aimed at phasing out the carriages. The bill, named after Ryder—a malnourished horse who collapsed in 2022 and died after being neglected for over an hour—is set for a City Council vote Thursday. PETA highlighted Ryder’s case, noting he was whipped and screamed at by his driver while suffering from illness and starvation. Supporters of the carriage industry, including TWU Local 100, the union representing drivers, argue the horses receive regular veterinary care and work under city-mandated regulations. Christina Hansen, the union’s spokesperson, dismissed criticism, stating the horses’ work is light and the job is easy for them. She accused animal advocates of exaggerating the horses’ conditions. The cause of Deniz’s death remains undetermined, but the incident has intensified pressure on officials to address concerns about the welfare of carriage horses. Advocates say the repeated collapses and deaths prove the industry’s unsustainability, while supporters insist stricter enforcement of existing rules is the solution.