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 The Associated Press
