Animal cruelty charges pending after 2 horses found 400 pounds underweight in Volusia County

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Two emaciated Arabian horses are recovering after Volusia County deputies seized them from a Volusia County home last week.

Deputies said the horses, named Niagara and Tiffany, were found to be at least 400 pounds below their proper weight.

Investigators said animal cruelty charges are pending against the horses’ owner, who lives on Clinton Cemetery Road in Edgewater.

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Deputies said the owners verbally signed over ownership of the horses to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.

A veterinarian said the bonded pair of horses are suffering from malnutrition and remain in critical conditions. Deputies said the horses are being fed hay and being carefully reintroduced to food.

During a visit by Sheriff Mike Chitwood on Tuesday, he said both mares continuously chomped hay, whinnied occasionally and appeared interested in the humans talking to and about them.

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Deputies said the next week to 10 days is critical to the horses’ recovery.

Stay tuned to Eyewitness News for updates.

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