Horse found emaciated, seller charged
Lake City, FL (US)

Incident Date: Thursday, Dec 29, 2005
County: Columbia

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Jeanette Martinez

A Columbia County woman was charged with animal cruelty Thursday, accused of selling an "extremely emaciated" horse, according to police reports.

The Sheriff's Office said Jeanette Martinez, 31, of 798 NE Double Run Road, sold the animal earlier in the year, and a veterinarian's report showed the horse, less than two years old, was weak with a matted and ragged coat, mane and tail.

In addition, the horse's hooves had not been trimmed in months - if ever - and there was no record of regular medical care, the report said.

"This case has been ongoing since September when Ms. Martinez sold the horse in such bad shape," said Sheriff Bill Gootee.

Cruelty to animals is a third-degree felony and punishable by up to five years in jail and/or up to a $10,000 fine.

References

• Gainesville Sun -  January 1, 2006
• High Springs Herald - May 9, 2006

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