Drunken Man Accused Of Punching Police Horse In Downtown Austin

AUSTIN, TX — In a scene one would expect in a re-viewing of the classic movie "Blazing Saddles," a man believed to be drunk is accused of recently punching a police horse called Moonshine.

According to an arrest affidavit referenced by the Austin American-Statesman, Eloy Villanueva, 42, is facing a charge of interference with a police animal as a result of the Friday incident. He's accused of punching the horse in the nose after a mounted officer approached him along the 400 block of Red River Street at around 10 p.m.

Villanueva was heavily intoxicated and was staggering around, according to the affidavit, and he was having trouble standing. The reporting officer later wrote that Villanueva smelled strongly of alcohol, and his speech was badly slurred while talking to the officers before falling down.

While waiting for medical crews to arrive, Villanueva regained his footing and began to pet Moonshine. But, without warning whatsoever, he then allegedly punched the police horse with enough force to cause the equine to buck his head back in reaction.

He was immediately placed in handcuffs before being put into an ambulance.

Texans don't take too kindly too horse punching. It's a state felony punishable by up to two years in jail. Villanueva is now praying the price, still behind bars at the Travis County Jail as of Monday with bail set at $7,500. He was charged with interference with a police animal causing injury, with an additional charge of public intoxication to boot.

There was no word on Moonshine's condition, but it's believed the horse has fully recovered.

>>> Read the full story at Austin American-Statesman

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