The horse handler
of carriage horse Ryder more than a year ago is due in court on Wednesday.
Outside of the Manhattan Criminal Court, where McKeever is appearing, New York City Council Member Robert Holden, NYCLASS, horse trainers, and other concerned animal rights activists are set to rally for the city council to shut down the horse carriage business.
Ryder was a 26-year-old horse that collapsed on the street in Hell’s Kitchen in August of 2022 after working several hours in 84-degree heat.
The viral video that captured the incident showed the horse on the ground and being allegedly beaten by his driver.
After the incident, Ryder retired to a farm upstate to receive veterinary care but was euthanized several months later due to his poor health.
“In 21st Century New York City, and frankly anywhere else, we should no longer see horses laboring to pull carriages in traffic; it’s a practice that’s outdated, inhumane, and unsafe,” Holden said. “Passing a ban on horse-drawn carriages is a no-brainer decision that would protect horses and the public and benefit workers, marking an end to this cruel and antiquated industry.”