Owners of a carriage horse named Deniz have filed a legal claim against New York City and the Central Park Conservancy, demanding the removal of a poisonous shrub from Central Park or facing a lawsuit. The claim, filed on September 17, 2026, asserts that negligence allowed the toxic plant to remain in a location where horses are routinely exercised, leading to the animal’s collapse and death after it consumed parts of the shrub.
Deniz, a horse that worked in the park’s carriage business, died earlier this year after ingesting the poisonous plant. The owners contend that the presence of the shrub represented a hazard that the city and park officials failed to address. Their legal action seeks both the immediate eradication of the plant and accountability for the loss of their animal, which they say was a result of inadequate maintenance and oversight of park vegetation.
The lawsuit highlights the responsibilities of municipal agencies and park conservancies to ensure that public spaces remain safe for both visitors and working animals. By filing the claim, the owners aim to prevent future incidents involving other carriage horses that operate in Central Park. The case adds to ongoing discussions about the management of park flora and the protection of animals that perform essential services in the city’s iconic green space.