New York mayor, other leaders push to ban horse-drawn carriage rides after teen tourist’s death | CNN

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 recognizable destinations. Romanch Mahajan, 18, died after he got off of the four-wheeled carriage as its horse sprinted through the park without the driver. He is 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 labor union representing the industry and the Central Park Conservancy, which manages the 843-acre (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 are overworked, can get easily spooked on city streets and l