Ian McKeever, a veteran NYC carriage horse driver, was found not guilty of animal cruelty charges after a horse named Ryder collapsed during a 2022 heatwave and later died. Despite videos showing McKeever pulling on the distressed horse’s reins, the jury acquitted him following a five-day trial. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg emphasized the importance of animal care and thanked prosecutors and jurors, while McKeever emotionally maintained his innocence, expressing his lifelong love for horses.

The verdict sparked outrage among animal rights advocates and city officials, including Council Member Robert Holden, who called it a “travesty of justice” and urged the passage of Ryder’s Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in NYC. Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa also pledged to end the industry, citing concerns over animal mistreatment. Meanwhile, the carriage drivers’ union defended its members, highlighting reforms to improve horse welfare and calling for an end to the vilification of drivers who care deeply for their animals.