Share this @internewscast.com

A carriage horse driver was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty on Wednesday, more than a year after his frail, ill horse collapsed on the streets of Manhattan, prosecutors announced.

Ian McKeever, 54, was arraigned on a charge of overdriving, torturing and injuring an animal or failure to provide proper sustenance for his treatment of the horse, Ryder, on Aug. 10, 2022, when it collapsed during the evening rush hour and lay on the street.

Video published by the New York Post showed McKeever pulling on Ryder’s reins and flogging the horse with a whip.

According to the criminal complaint, McKeever had been working Ryder since 9 a.m. when the horse collapsed in 84-degree weather.

Once Ryder was down, McKeever didn’t give the horse any water, prosecutors said.

A police officer removed Ryder’s harness and put ice and cold water on the horse for 45 minutes until he was able to stand up, District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a news release.

McKeever told police that Ryder was 13 years old, but a veterinarian who later examined the horse estimated his age at 26 and said Ryder suffered from health issues including pancytopenia, a condition that causes decreased blood cell levels.

“As alleged, Ryder should not have been working on this hot summer day,” Bragg said. “Despite his condition, he was out for hours and worked to the point of collapse.”

Ryder was euthanized two months later because of his poor health.

McKeever’s attorney, Raymond Loving, didn’t immediately respond to a phone message seeking comment.

Ryder’s death became a rallying cry for animal welfare advocates who have long pushed to ban the horse-drawn carriages that ferry tourists around Central Park.

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio promised to retire the carriage horses during his 2013 campaign, but they are still on the job.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Charlie Kirk honored in Jerusalem as hundreds gather, including officials, clergy and Christians

Charlie Kirk Receives Recognition in Jerusalem: A Gathering of Officials, Clergy, and Christian Supporters

A memorial service held in Jerusalem for the late conservative activist Charlie…
Vikings-Bears game today: Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears secure another 4th quarter comeback in win over Minnesota Vikings

Caleb Williams Leads Chicago Bears to Thrilling 4th Quarter Comeback Victory Against Minnesota Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS — Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears pulled off another thrilling…
FAA lifts government shutdown-era order slashing flights, allowing commercial airlines to resume their regular schedules

FAA Lifts Flight Restrictions Post-Government Shutdown, Restores Normal Airline Schedules

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Sunday that it is lifting…
Officer injured after suspect rams law enforcement vehicles during Charlotte immigration raids

Chaos in Charlotte: Officer Injured as Suspect Crashes Into Police During Intense Immigration Raids

A police officer sustained injuries on Sunday afternoon when a man allegedly…
Chicago homeowners demand answers, speak out at 'property tax bonfire'

Chicago Homeowners Ignite Fury: Unveiling the Truth at the Explosive ‘Property Tax Bonfire

Residents in Chicago are demanding explanations as their property tax bills rise,…
Chicago Bears CB Nahshon Wright honors 'Last Chance U' Laney College coach John Beam with interception: 'He was behind me today'

Chicago Bears’ Nahshon Wright Credits ‘Last Chance U’ Coach John Beam for Game-Changing Interception Against [Opponent]

MINNEAPOLIS — On Sunday, with a heavy heart after the passing of…
YouTuber Jack Doherty arrested in Miami on drug-related charges

Popular YouTuber Jack Doherty Faces Drug Charges Following Miami Arrest

A 22-year-old content creator has been apprehended on various drug charges, with…
FAA lifts order slashing flights, allowing commercial airlines to resume their regular schedules

FAA Ends Flight Restrictions: Commercial Airlines Set to Return to Normal Schedules

The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Sunday its decision to lift all…
Marjorie Taylor Greene disavows ‘toxic politics,’ apologizes after Trump cuts ties

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Surprise Apology and Break from ‘Toxic Politics’ After Trump Fallout

In a notable shift from her usual defiant stance, Republican U.S. Representative…
Mamdani backs Palestinian activist in legislative race where battle with ‘Israeli lobby’ a key issue

Mamdani Supports Palestinian Advocate in Pivotal Legislative Race Amid Israeli Lobby Debate

Following his recent victory in the mayoral election, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani…
Trump Calls for House Republicans to 'Vote to Release' Epstein Files

Trump Urges House Republicans to Unseal Epstein Files: A Call for Transparency

President Donald Trump has urged House Republicans to vote in favor of…
Human trafficking soars in blue city as gangs, highways fuel ‘perfect storm’ of child exploitation: experts

Alarming Surge in Child Trafficking: Experts Warn of Gangs and Highways Creating Crisis in Urban Areas

Alarm bells are ringing as human trafficking incidents surge dramatically across one…