Yesterday LCSO Deputies responded to an anonymous tip of malnourished horses on a property off of NE 62 Court in northern Levy County. Deputies arrived and found multiple horses and other livestock on the property that were seriously malnourished and in need of immediate intervention.
Agricultural Detective Garboski responded to the scene and began his investigation. His report reflects he discovered multiple mares in a field that were of a body condition score (BCS) of 1.5-2. All had highly visible bone structure, shelving with very little fat covering. All were contained in an area of cattle panels with no grass, no hay and no shelter from the elements. All horse areas did have access to water. All of the horses had extremely overgrown hooves in desperate need of a farrier. Untrimmed hooves lead to severe consequences including structural imbalance, painful overgrowth and hoof deformity. This can cause permanent lameness, severe joint strain and extreme discomfort.
Detective Garboski coordinated with Eugene Carter, a local horseman contracted by the LCSO to aid in recovery of abused large animals. Mr. Carter removed 13 horses from the property at the instruction of Detective Garboski. Mr. Carter will begin rehabilitation efforts at his property under the care and direction of a large animal veterinarian.
The owner of these animals will be formally charged with several criminal violations in the near future. Anyone with information about abused animals is encouraged to contact the LCSO at 352-486-5111 or an anonymous tip can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.