Target: Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
Goal: Secure justice for Ryder by ensuring stringent legal consequences for alleged animal cruelty.
In the bustling streets of New York City, a disturbing incident unfolded, igniting widespread outrage. Allegedly, on a sweltering summer day in August 2022, a carriage horse named Ryder, under the care of Ian McKeever, was pushed beyond its limits, leading to its heartbreaking collapse. This incident, captured in gut-wrenching videos, sparked a vehement call for justice against the alleged cruelty. McKeever, facing a misdemeanor charge, reportedly overdrove and tortured Ryder, failing to provide the sustenance needed for the horse’s wellbeing. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential maltreatment animals endure, demanding immediate and stringent action.
According to the complaint, Ryder’s collapse occurred on a hot day, with temperatures soaring to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, a condition no animal should work in. The scene, as depicted in widely circulated bystander videos, apparently shows a feeble Ryder struggling on Ninth Avenue. Allegedly, McKeever’s response to this situation was disturbingly inadequate; he reportedly resorted to yelling, slapping, and even using a whip on the exhausted animal. This appalling behavior, witnessed by a crowd of onlookers and captured on video, illustrates an apparently blatant disregard for animal welfare and safety.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office must act decisively in response to this incident. The alleged mistreatment of Ryder by McKeever demands not just legal scrutiny but also sets a precedent for the future of animal welfare in New York City. We implore the District Attorney to ensure that McKeever faces the fullest extent of legal repercussions if found guilty. Such action will send a clear message: animal cruelty, in any form, is intolerable and will be met with stern legal consequences.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Governor Kathy Hochul,
We are writing to express our profound concern and to demand justice in the case of Ryder, the carriage horse who allegedly suffered under the care of Ian McKeever. This case has not only captured the attention of New York City but has also raised critical questions about animal welfare and the responsibilities of those entrusted with their care. The details of Ryder’s collapse on a busy street, as alleged in the criminal complaint, are not only distressing but also indicative of a severe lack of empathy and understanding of animal welfare.
The circumstances of this case, as described in the complaint and witnessed by many, paint a harrowing picture. On a day when the temperature was excessively high, Ryder was reportedly forced to work to the point of exhaustion. The alleged actions of McKeever in response to Ryder’s collapse – including yelling, slapping, and use of a whip – are deeply troubling and, if proven true, represent a blatant disregard for the wellbeing of an animal under his care. This incident, therefore, warrants not just legal intervention but a strong statement against such alleged cruelty.
We urge you, as the Manhattan District Attorney, to pursue this case with the utmost seriousness. It is crucial that McKeever faces appropriate legal consequences if found guilty, as this will not only bring justice for Ryder but also serve as a deterrent against future acts of animal cruelty. Your office has the opportunity and responsibility to uphold the principles of justice and animal welfare. We, therefore, request that you ensure a thorough and fair trial, and if McKeever is found guilty, that he receives a sentence that reflects the severity of his alleged actions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Tsaag Valren
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