Lakeland, Fla.-(Newsradio 970 WFLA)-Polk County Sheriff's deputies have arrested a Polk City woman for DUI on a horse, on Combee Road near North Crystal Lake Road.
Fifty three year-old Donna Byrne is also facing animal neglect charges for failing to provide proper protection for the horse, which was being ridden in the roadway, placing it in jeopardy of being injured or killed.
Deputies were called to the area after a report from a citizen who said Byrne appeared confused, and possibly in danger. Byrne had an odor of alcohol, red watery eyes, and staggered. A field sobriety test was conducted, and she was subsequently arrested for DUI.
Byrne provided breath samples of .157 and .161. A breath alcohol level of .08 is the legal limit in Florida.
The horse was taken by deputies to the Polk County Sheriff's Animal Control livestock facility.
Byrne's prior criminal history includes five felony and ten misdemeanor charges, consisting of cruelty to animals, drug possession, probation violation, and criminal traffic.
Photo courtesy Polk County Sheriff's Office