NEW YORK — The future of Central Park's horse-drawn carriages remains secure, at least for now. A proposal to ban these popular tourist attractions, which have been part of the park for over 150 years, was rejected by a key New York City Council committee on Friday. The Committee on Health voted against advancing the proposal to the full council after a crowded hearing.

The Transport Workers Union of America, representing horse carriage workers, praised the committee's decision. Union President John Samuelsen stated, "They are hardworking immigrants who take good care of their horses, and have consistently been attacked and slandered by monied interests who care nothing about animal welfare."

In contrast, animal rights advocates criticized the committee's vote, labeling it a "sham" and pledging to continue their efforts to end the industry. The debate surrounding the carriages intensified this summer after a horse collapsed and died near its stables, with images of the incident circulating widely online. Critics argue that carriage horses are easily spooked in city traffic, which can lead to accidents and injuries. They also claim that the horses are overworked, live in substandard stables, and that drivers often violate city regulations, including leaving behind horse manure.

New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS) expressed their concerns, stating, "Horses have collapsed, even dropped dead on the streets recently. Multiple horses have had violent runaway spooking incidents, crashing into vehicles, sending New Yorkers to the hospital, and nearly trampling others."

New York City Mayor Eric Adams criticized the council for ignoring the views of many New Yorkers who support ending the carriage industry. Adams, who has backed the proposed ban and issued an executive order to enhance enforcement, said, "It’s a shame that the City Council has once again refused to follow the will of our citizens, while simultaneously endangering pedestrians, drivers, and animals alike."

The council's Democratic leadership has historically resisted calls for a public hearing and vote on the ban, which aims to phase out the industry by next summer. The vote on Friday was prompted by the bill's sponsor, who used a procedural rule to force the committee's decision.

Council Member Robert Holden, an outgoing Democrat from Queens, criticized the process, calling it "one of the most undemocratic displays I have ever witnessed in the New York City Council." He added, "The Council could not care less what New Yorkers think."

In response, Benjamin Fang-Estrada, a spokesperson for City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, suggested that Holden did not adequately build support among his colleagues. He stated, "The Council recognizes that this is a difficult and emotional issue, and any path forward requires a sponsor bringing all parties together in a constructive way."

The Central Park Conservancy, which manages the 843-acre park, also supports a ban on the carriage industry, citing concerns about public safety and the impact on the park's infrastructure as it becomes increasingly crowded.