Horse dies in Central Park, reigniting carriage ban debate

A carriage horse named Deniz collapsed and died Tuesday evening near 72nd Street and Central Park West while pulling two passengers, prompting advocates to gather at City Hall on Wednesday to renew calls for banning horse-drawn carriages in the city.

Deniz, 16 years old, was owned and cared for by Nurettin Kirbiyik, who said the animal had been cleared by a veterinarian in March. Kirbiyik stated there were no signs of illness on Tuesday and that Deniz was eating, drinking, and acting normally before the collapse.

"I really feel like I lost someone in the family," Kirbiyik said. "He was a beautiful horse. The best. Very friendly with kids. Everyone loved him and wanted to take pictures with him." Kirbiyik said he spent part of nearly every day with Deniz since purchasing the horse 10 years ago.

Mayor Mamdani reiterated his support for a carriage ban Wednesday morning, hours after the incident. "I know that many New Yorkers were disturbed by what they saw yesterday, and I'm one of them," Mamdani said at an unrelated press conference. "I support removing horse carriages from Central Park."

Officials plan to reintroduce legislation known as Ryder's Law before the City Council. The Transport Workers Union of America is among those involved in the effort to advance the ban.

Advocates gathered at City Hall on Wednesday, the day after Deniz's death, to press for action on the carriage horse issue.