Central Florida woman, Donna Byrne, is going viral for all the wrong reasons after getting pulled over for operating a horse while drunk.
Byrne, 53, was arrested on charges of DUI and animal neglect after she was found riding the horse on Combee Road near North Crystal Lake Road, in Lakeland, Florida.
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The horse was found to be in good condition at the time of Byrne’s arrest, however, the animal neglect charge stems from her not providing the proper protection for the animal, which cops say, put it in jeopardy of being injured or killed on the roadway.
Deputies were called after a passerby reported that Byrne was in the area and appeared confused and possibly in danger. Deputies said, at the time of her arrest, Byrne reeked of alcohol, had red, watery eyes and was staggering. Deputies said she provided breath samples that showed she had a blood alcohol level of 0.157 and 0.161, about twice the legal limit of 0.08 in Florida, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
“Ms. Byrne was obviously not in any condition to be on the road,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. “She not only put herself and the horse in danger, but also anyone who was driving on the road, which is typically very busy.” source
Byrne’s lengthy rap sheet sports five felonies – 10 misdemeanor charges, including cruelty to animals, drug possession and a probation violation.
The horse was transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Animal Control livestock facility where it will be cared for pending the outcome of Byrne’s case.