Onlookers assumed the horse had collapsed from the heat and steamy conditions, but veterinarians said that was not the case.
The announcement comes amid growing calls for the district attorney to launch an animal cruelty probe.New York City officials are expected to release new details Tuesday on the carriage horse that collapsed in Hell's Kitchen last week.
Members of NYCLASS, PETA, and community leaders held the rally at City Hall after the incident was caught on video.Police officers requested the Mounting Unit to tend to the horse. The horse, 14-year-old Ryder, was then taken to a private horse stable on 10th Avenue and West 38th Street. "We thank everyone for their concern about Ryder, one of the beloved Central Park carriage horses," TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano said. "The veterinarian who examined Ryder believed he has EPM, a neurological disease caused by possum droppings. This is another example why people shouldn't rush to judgment about our horses or the blue-collar men and women who choose to work with them and care for them. Sadly, horses - like people - can get sick.