MARTIN COUNTY, Ind. — Three people were arrested for animal neglect after eight horses were found kept in conditions so poor it threatened their health.
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Department, deputies and a veterinarian with the Indiana Board of Animal Health were called to a residence in Shoals on Jan. 15 due to concerns of animal abuse.
Eight horses were found kept in a pasture without access to water and little access to food due to deep patches of frozen mud and manure. The animals showed signs of being emaciated, according to the sheriff’s department, and had scarring on their legs due to dragging themselves through frozen mud so deep it reached their bellies.
All eight horses were determined to be at “immediate risk” in need of immediate intervention to protect their safety and well-being. One of the horses, unfortunately, had to be put down due to a dislocation of the pelvis that couldn’t be healed and left the animal unable to bear its weight.
The animals were permanently surrendered to the sheriff’s department. The animals have since been re-homed to Sugars Ridge Ranch to be cared for and rehabilitated. Sugars Ridge Ranch is a nonprofit located in Shoals. The sheriff’s department included information on their Facebook page for any who wish to donate to the animal’s rehabilitation.
All three arrested individuals face a charge of cruelty to animals, a Class A misdemeanor. All three were booked into the Martin County Jail and have since posted bond.
FOX59/CBS4 does not name private citizens charged with misdemeanors.
