ORLANDO, Fla. _ 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, 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., Bruchey said.
Byrne's breath alcohol level was more than two times the legal limit, Bruchey said. She was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and animal neglect, a misdemeanor.
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.
Byrne has previously been arrested on five felony and 10 misdemeanor charges, including cruelty to animals and drug possession, Bruchey said.
