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Police: Cowboy who rode across NYC bridge abused his horses

NEW YORK (AP) — 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 linking New Jersey with the city's Staten Island borough.

Urban Cowboy Crosses NYC Bridge by Associated Press on YouTube

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.

 

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