What to Know
- The Staten Island district attorney had been looking into the health of the horses that the Outerbridge Cowboy rode across the bridge
- Sores were found on the horses after Doc Mishler rode them across the span Monday, causing a traffic jam
- Mishler has said his horses are completely healthy
New York police have charged an 80-year-old man with animal cruelty after he gained fame riding horses around the country, saying he was a cowboy helping hungry children.
Tod "Doc" Mishler was arrested Thursday, three days after riding over the Outerbridge Crossing.
Police say his two horses — one carrying bags — suffered from dehydration and open bleeding saddle sores. They charged him with two counts of animal cruelty.
On Monday, Mishler was issued a separate court summons for blocking traffic and trespassing on the bridge. He could not be reached for comment Thursday.
He was ordered to appear in court on Friday.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
