Horse neglected, resulting in death
Fort White, FL (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Jan 7, 2009
County: Columbia

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Christy Riederer
» John Riederer

A Fort White couple was arrested by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Friday [Jan 30, 2008] on felony animal cruelty charges for allegedly starving a horse so badly it had to be euthanized.

Arrested were John and Christy Riederer of 482 SW Gallberry Court, reported the Sheriff's Office.

An animal cruelty investigation began Jan. 7 after authorities received complaints of malnourished horses on the Riederer property. Deputy Jay Swisher discovered that a male horse did not have a viable food source and appeared to be very malnourished, reported Sgt. Ed Seifert.

Swisher could clearly see the outline of the horse's ribs, backbone and pelvic bones. Deputies summoned veterinarian Beth Moses to evaluate the horse. Treatment was attempted but the horse had to be euthanized on Jan. 10.

Seifert said authorities learned that Moses had previously euthanized another emaciated horse on this same property in November.

References

• The Gainesville Sun - Feb 1, 2009

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