Horse neglect, dozens seized
Miami, FL (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Jul 25, 2008
County: Miami-Dade

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Carlos Carruitero

Police found more than two-dozen valuable horses on the brink of becoming emaciated in a Miami ranch. Miami-Dade police said they discovered the horses in tough shape after the caretaker of the ranch reported that the owner of the 20-acre ranch west of Krome Avenue left the ranch.

"There were 39 horses on this property, some of which appeared to be very malnourished," Det Juan Villalba of the Miami-Dade Police department said.

Police said the caretaker claimed he had no money to purchase feed for the horses.

Agricultural unit officers said the horses did not have water or shade.

Some of the horses require specific care. The recovering horses include Arabians and Paso Finos.

"We picked up the four that were in the worst condition, and the others are being monitored," Laurie Wagner of the SPCA said.

After the investigation, police charged Carlos Carruitero, the owner of the ranch, with four felony counts of cruelty to animals.

References

• NBC 6 - July 28, 2008
• Miami Herald - July 28, 2008

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