5 malnourished horses found in Miami-Dade County

Owner arrested on aggravated animal abuse charges

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The owner of five horses in Miami Gardens is expected to face charges after investigators with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that the animals were in various stages of malnutrition.

Sky 10 was above the property at 159th Street and Red Road and saw one small horse lying on the ground. SPCA spokeswoman Laurie Waggoner said that the horse is 2 to 3 years old and may have to be put down. She said the horse has not been able to get up in more than a day.

"She's a complete skeleton," Waggoner said. "She has no muscle to be able to get up on her own. We are waiting for a veterinarian to come and more than likely she'll have to be euthanized."

Waggoner said the owner of the horses brought food to the property Wednesday and claimed that he had run out. But she said it appears that the horses have not eaten in a while given their poor conditions.

All of the horses have been moved to an SPCA farm, where they will be examined by a veterinarian. Miami-Dade Animal Services also removed a dog and her litter from the property.

Authorities said the dogs were found in a cage in poor health and in need of medical attention. They are expected to be put up for adoption once they are checked out by a veterinarian.

The identity of the horse owner has not been released, but authorities said he was arrested on aggravated animal abuse charges.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.