New York Mayor Bill de Blasio was named 2014 Person of the Year by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for opposing horse-drawn carriages in Manhattan and advocating other animal-friendly causes, the group said on Thursday.

De Blasio, a liberal who took office less than a year ago, campaigned partly on the promise to push for a ban on horse-drawn buggy rides in Central Park, a cause that has won him the support of PETA and other animal rights groups.

“I’m humbled to receive this support from PETA," de Blasio said in a statement. "From moving horses off our busy streets to protecting circus animals, our administration remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of our animals and the livelihoods of all New Yorkers who care for them.”