Target: Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City
Goal: Hold those responsible for the alleged animal cruelty in the horse carriage industry accountable for their actions.
The tragic case of Ryder, a horse who reportedly collapsed in Hell’s Kitchen during the summer of 2022 due to neglect, highlights the concerning treatment of carriage horses in New York City. The handler, Ian McKeever, was acquitted of animal abuse charges, raising alarm among animal rights advocates who believe this verdict reflects a failure within the justice system to protect vulnerable animals. As reported, Ryder was euthanized after a necropsy revealed severe health issues, including cancer, which may have contributed to his collapse after being worked in oppressive heat.
Despite McKeever’s defense that Ryder had only completed two trips on a seemingly slow day and that he was unaware of the horse’s condition, the facts suggest otherwise. Eyewitnesses and forensic veterinarians assert that Ryder was pushed beyond his limits on a hot day, leading to collapse, and McKeever’s alleged actions – such as slapping Ryder to get him to stand – only highlight the desperate and alarming treatment these animals may endure. This incident has ignited a passionate movement for change, demanding stricter regulations and better protections for carriage horses.
Immediate action is essential to safeguard the welfare of these animals and to ensure that those who neglect or abuse them are held accountable. The public deserves the assurance that all animals within the carriage industry are treated humanely, and this petition calls for rigorous enforcement of animal cruelty laws to address this ongoing issue. It is imperative to enact “Ryder’s Law” to end such practices and provide horses with the dignified care they deserve.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mayor Adams,
The recent trial of carriage horse handler Ian McKeever, who was acquitted of charges for the alleged abuse of a horse named Ryder, raises significant concerns about the treatment of working animals in New York City. Eyewitness reports indicated that Ryder collapsed after being worked in high temperatures, and a necropsy later suggested serious underlying health issues. These alarming findings included cancer and T-cell leukemia, which seemingly played a crucial role in his tragic collapse and subsequent euthanasia. This case underscores the serious failings in the protection of carriage horses who are caught in an exploitative industry.
The decision of the jury not to convict McKeever of animal cruelty is disheartening and seems to reflect an outdated understanding of animal welfare. Testimonies presented state that Ryder was reportedly ‘pushed beyond his limit’ while working in challenging conditions, and such instances must not be overlooked. The public’s growing concern for the welfare of carriage horses demands that we reexamine the laws governing animal cruelty and enforce stricter regulations to protect them from suffering.
We urge you to take decisive action to address the systemic issues in the horse carriage industry. It is critical that those alleged to have committed wrongdoing are held accountable to ensure that such neglect and cruelty are never tolerated again. The welfare of these horses relies on your leadership to implement necessary changes and promote humane standards in their care.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
