Carriage Driver Acquitted in Horse Abuse Case
A carriage driver from New York City, Ian McKeever, was found not guilty of animal abuse during a trial related to the collapse of his horse, Ryder, in 2022. The verdict was delivered on Monday, and it brought McKeever to tears, according to reports.
The case focused on an incident when the elderly horse collapsed on a hot August day. McKeever, 56, was charged with mistreating the animal, accused of overworking Ryder despite the extreme heat. Witnesses described seeing Ryder in “major distress” just before the collapse, with a veterinarian stating that the horse had been “pushed beyond his limit.”
After Ryder fell, people nearby tried to cool him down using ice and water from local restaurants. The horse struggled to get back on his feet for about an hour before finally standing up and being taken back to a stable.
Following an examination, a vet discovered that Ryder was not only elderly but also suffering from several serious health issues, including leukemia. This led to his euthanasia later that year.
During the trial, McKeever’s attorney argued that there was no evidence showing that the driver had overworked Ryder. McKeever himself claimed that the horse was his most prized possession, emphasizing his commitment to Ryder’s health.
Prosecutors argued that McKeever had intentionally overworked the horse and highlighted that he had been angry with Ryder moments before the collapse. This case caught the attention of animal rights activists, who have been advocating for a ban on horse-drawn carriages in the city, suggesting legislation dubbed “Ryder’s Law.”
Following the trial, McKeever smiled and nodded as he learned of his acquittal. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg urged the public to continue reporting suspected animal abuse cases, stressing the importance of treating animals with care.
