NYC carriage driver Ian McKeever found not guilty of animal cruelty in the incident involving the collapse of the horse Ryder.

A Manhattan jury rendered a verdict on July 21, 2025, acquitting Ian McKeever, a New York City carriage driver, of charges related to the alleged mistreatment of his horse. McKeever faced accusations of overdriving, torturing, and injuring an animal, a class A misdemeanor, in connection with the horse named Ryder, who collapsed on West 45th Street near Ninth Avenue on August 10, 2022. The horse was euthanized several months later, fueling public outrage and scrutiny from animal rights advocates.

The jury’s decision was driven by a detailed examination of the evidence presented during the trial. Prosecutors argued that the horse’s deteriorating medical condition leading up to its death was a direct result of McKeever’s neglect and abusive practices. Notably, footage from the incident showed McKeever allegedly whipping Ryder and denying it water after prolonged work under extreme temperatures. This evidence prompted significant backlash from animal rights groups, heightening the stakes of the case.

Jurors reported that their deliberations were thoughtful and complex. One juror, reflecting on the evidence, noted that while there was some responsibility on McKeever’s part, it was not substantial enough to warrant a guilty verdict. This juror expressed concerns about the broader implications of holding McKeever accountable for the horse’s condition, suggesting that existing laws regarding animal welfare may require reevaluation.

McKeever, a seasoned carriage driver since 1987 who immigrated to the U.S. from Ireland, maintained his innocence throughout the trial. He claimed that he had provided proper care for Ryder, including nutritional supplements, and asserted that the horse was in satisfactory health prior to its collapse. The repercussions of a guilty verdict could have included imprisonment of up to one year.

In the wake of the trial, Christina Hansen, a veteran driver and representative of TWU Local 100, stated that the incident has led to meaningful changes within the carriage driving community. Such reforms reportedly involve enhanced veterinary oversight and collaborations with equine health experts.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg affirmed his commitment to prosecuting cases of animal harm, emphasizing that all animals deserve compassionate treatment. He thanked the jury for their diligence throughout the trial.

Notably, Council Member Bob Holden, a proponent of legislation aimed at terminating the horse carriage industry in New York City, condemned the verdict as a failure of justice. He criticized McKeever for knowingly allowing an elderly horse, equivalent in human years to a 90-year-old, to work under harsh conditions, framing the jury’s decision as a disregard for animal welfare. The case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding animal rights and the ethical considerations of the horse carriage industry in urban settings.

The broader implications for animal welfare legislation may come into focus as discussions surrounding this verdict unfold in New York City and beyond.