A Polk County woman
is arrested for drunken driving ... on a horse.
A Polk County woman was arrested Thursday afternoon on a charge of drunk driving on a horse named Boduke.
Donna Byrne, 53, smelled of alcohol, staggered and had red, watery eyes when deputies pulled her over on the busy road, Polk County Sheriff ’s Office spokesman Brian Bruchey said.
A passer-by had called about a woman who appeared confused and was riding a horse on Combee Road near North Crystal Lake Road in Lakeland about 1:40 p.m., he said.
Byrne’s breath-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit, Bruchey said. She was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and animal neglect, a misdemeanor.
Boduke was hitched to a deputy’s patrol car and ate grass until being taken to the Polk County Sheriff’s Animal Control livestock facility.
The Polk County Sheriff ’s Office said it takes the situation seriously.
“Ms. Byrne was obviously not in any condition to be on the road. She not only put herself and the horse in danger, but also anyone who was driving on the road, which is typically very busy,” Sheriff Grady Judd said.
She has previously been arrested on five felony and 10 misdemeanor charges, including cruelty to animals and drug possession, Bruchey said.
Boduke will most likely be returned to Byrne, he said. However, the sheriff could fight to keep her from getting Boduke back.
Judd is embroiled in a court battle to prevent another owner charged with animal cruelty from getting their animals back, Bruchey said.