BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Brevard County woman is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after deputies say she stabbed a horse multiple times and abused the animal in front of a child.
According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, 61-year-old Shirley Zimmerly became frustrated with the horse on July 27 and allegedly stabbed it several times. Investigators also said Zimmerly whipped the horse, which they described as malnourished.
When deputies questioned Zimmerly about the horse’s injuries, Sheriff Wayne Ivey said she denied responsibility.
“She said a cat did that. No, a cat didn’t do that. Somebody that lost control of their emotion stabbed the horse multiple times,” Ivey said.
Zimmerly was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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