BUNNELL, Fla. — A Flagler County man has been arrested on an aggravated animal cruelty charge after deputies said a 27-year-old horse left in his care became severely malnourished.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded July 21 to a property on County Road 13 after receiving a request to check on the welfare of a horse named Laredo.
Deputies described the gelding as severely emaciated, with his hips, spine and ribs visible. An agricultural deputy scored the horse at a one on the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System, the lowest level on the scale.
Investigators said 41-year-old Jim Tyrone Lee of Bunnell had been left in charge of the horse and had been given instructions for his care.
The horse’s owner surrendered Laredo to the sheriff’s office, which transported him to a boarding stable for food and water.
Veterinarian finds malnutrition, untreated condition
A veterinarian examined Laredo the following day and gave him a body condition score between one and two.
The sheriff’s office said the horse had not been examined by a veterinarian since 2010. The veterinarian found no evidence of infectious disease and determined the emaciation was caused by inadequate nutrition, lack of access to feed or both.
Bloodwork also showed an untreated hormonal condition common in older horses that can cause muscle loss.
According to the sheriff’s office, the veterinarian determined the horse’s condition was caused by inadequate nutrition and worsened by the untreated disease, which routine veterinary care could have detected earlier.
Laredo was transferred Aug. 7 to SKC Hands Up Horse Rescue. The sheriff’s office said he has since gained about 150 pounds.
Photos released by FCSO show the horse’s condition when deputies found him in July and his appearance after receiving care.
Man charged with aggravated animal cruelty
Deputies arrested Lee on Saturday, Sept. 12, on a charge of aggravated animal cruelty.
He was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and later released on $5,000 bond.
“When you starve a horse down to skin and bones you end up with a stall of your own at the Green Roof Inn,” Sheriff Rick Staly said.
Anyone who suspects animal abuse or neglect can contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386-313-4911.
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