In the middle of the 19th century, Philadelphia was crowded with horse-drawn streetcars. They helped wealthy residents travel around the city and were also used to transport construction materials and equipment. By the turn of the century, around 50,000 horses were living in Pennsylvania’s largest metropolis.
Of course, the invention of cars made horse-drawn transport far less necessary. But horse-drawn carriages still exist in Philadelphia today—although not for much longer. Philadelphia City Council has just banned carriage horses from operating in the city.
The last carriage horse company actually closed in 2023, but noncommercial carriages have recently been spotted around Philadelphia. In response, the City Council amended the bill so it covers both commercial and noncommercial operators. The measure now heads to Mayor Cherelle Parker, who must sign it into law.
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“Now, for America 250, horse-drawn carriages can finally be removed from the streets,” Janet White, the founder and CEO of advocacy organization Carriage Horse Freedom, said during the council meeting about the new ban.
“This ordinance is more than a policy change; it is a moral and civic milestone, one that reflects who we are today: the humane, forward-looking city we aspire to be.”
Horse carriage bans in the US
Philadelphia isn’t alone. In 2020, Chicago banned horse-drawn carriage rides, and in 2024, San Antonio City Council also voted to phase out the practice. A decade earlier, Salt Lake City voted to ban horse-drawn carriages after a horse collapsed and died in the street.
Calls for a ban are also growing louder in New York City, following multiple horse collapses and the death of a young tourist who fell from a carriage on June 17.
Carriage Horse Freedom
Mayor Zohran Mamdani is on board with a ban. “I know that many New Yorkers were disturbed by what they saw yesterday, and I’m one of them,” he said in a statement after a horse died in Central Park in early June.
“I support removing horse carriages from Central Park,” he continued. “I’ve also said that I look forward to working with union partners and community leaders to actually deliver on that.”
Philadelphia’s stricter ban is set to take effect on June 26. Anyone who continues operating horse-drawn carriages after that date will face a fine of $1,000 per day.
Still want the carriage experience? You can book an e-carriage ride in Philadelphia instead. Offered by Carriage Horse Freedom, “Caroline” looks just like a traditional horse-drawn carriage, but offers a more “humane and unique transportation experience,” notes the nonprofit.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
