NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Ryder, the former New York City carriage horse, is dead about two months after collapsing on a Manhattan street, union officials and animal rights activists said Monday.
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Ryder was recently euthanized after being retired to an upstate New York farm following the infamous collapse in Hell's Kitchen on Aug. 10, video of which spread widely on social media and led to outrage.
Ryder spent “many days” at the Cornell Equine Hospital, where he was brought by his new owner, a “dedicated compassionate horsewoman,” Friends of Maple Hill Farms said in a Facebook post Monday.
“While at Cornell, Ryder was diagnosed with a variety of serious medical conditions that ultimately required him to be humanely euthanized,” the farm said.
At the time of his death, Ryder was “surrounded by those who cared and came to have an inexplicable loving bond with him,” according to the farm.
Friends of Maple Hill Farms made the announcement in a joint statement with Equine Rescue Resource, Inc. and Unbridled Heroes Project (UHP).
The death was also confirmed by Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents Central Park horse carriage drivers.
“We are very saddened to learn of Ryder’s passing,” the union said in its statement. “Thanks to him, we have initiated new veterinary and safety protocols and made significant steps towards the union’s HEART platform.”
“Ryder has positively impacted carriage horse welfare and brought our carriage community together. Our condolences to all of his connections and everyone who knew him, even for a moment,” the union continued.
New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS), a group that opposes the horse carriage industry, planned a protest for Tuesday afternoon at W. 45th Street and Ninth Avenue—the spot where Ryder collapsed.
NYCLASS executive director Edita Birnkrant said the group was “devastated” to learn of Ryder’s death.
“His horrific collapse, after years of neglect and abuse, inspired tens of thousands of people from across the globe to stand up to carriage horse industry cruelty,” Birnkrant said.
Birnkrant added that the “tragedy was not caused by an act of God” but by “savage cruelty and greed.”
A bill that was introduced in the City Council would ban horse carriages in the city.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has also said his office is investigating the incident involving Ryder as possible animal cruelty.
A police report obtained by the New York Post showed Ryder was malnourished and underweight and nearly 30 years old, far older than his reported age of 13.
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