Jury selection starts for NYC carriage driver charged with torturing and overworking a horse.

Jury selection commenced on Monday in the case against Ian McKeever, a veteran carriage driver in New York City, who has been accused by prosecutors of torturing and overworking his horse, a situation that ultimately culminated in the animal’s death. The proceedings are taking place in Manhattan Criminal Court, where McKeever faces charges of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, classified as a class A misdemeanor. These charges arise from the unfortunate collapse of a horse named Ryder, which occurred on August 10, 2022, on West 45th Street near Ninth Avenue.

The case gained significant attention following the release of disturbing footage showing Ryder collapsing in the street after enduring a complete work shift during extreme heat conditions. Eyewitness accounts detail how McKeever allegedly whipped the exhausted horse and aggressively pulled on its reins while denying it water. The incident spurred a wave of condemnation from animal rights advocates and passionate calls for reform in the management of carriage horses in New York City.

Following the collapse, a police officer on the scene intervened to remove Ryder’s harness, allowing the horse to lie down. The officer then applied ice and cold water in an effort to revive the horse, which eventually managed to stand after approximately 45 minutes. Witnesses reported seeing Ryder lethargic and panting with its tongue out leading up to its collapse, further supporting the allegations against McKeever.

Unfortunately, Ryder was euthanized several months later due to the deteriorating state of his health, with prosecutors asserting that this decline was linked directly to the conditions under which he had been forced to work. McKeever, 57, has maintained his innocence throughout the process, pleading not guilty to the charges. He has been involved in the carriage driving trade since immigrating from Ireland in 1987.

If convicted, McKeever could face up to one year in prison or a monetary fine. As of now, his attorney, Raymond Loving, has not provided any comments regarding the ongoing case. The outcome of this case may have broader implications for the treatment of working horses and animal welfare regulations in urban environments. Media News Source will continue to follow developments as the trial unfolds.