Animal cruelty charges pending after horses found 400 pounds underweight in Florida

Update on malnourished horses

UPDATE: Volusia County sheriff’s deputies have filed an affidavit with the State Attorney’s Office charging the horses’ former owner with neglecting the two animals. Anthony Cartrette, 41 (DOB 05-15-1978) of Clinton Cemetery Rd., Edgewater, faces two counts of cruelty to animals and two counts of confinement of animals without sufficient food and water. The horses – two Arabian mares named Tiffany and Niagara – were seized Dec. 11 from Cartrette’s home. He has signed over ownership to the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Mike Chitwood visited the horses last week at the undisclosed facility where they are recovering. The mares continue to be adjusting well to being fed and are being closely monitored by a veterinarian as they recover. The charging affidavit was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for review. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Previous news release appears below): *UPDATE on malnourished horses you may have seen on social media recently* Sheriff Mike Chitwood visited two Arabian horses Tuesday at an undisclosed facility where they are recovering after deputies seized them last week because the horses were found emaciated at their Edgewater home. The horses were seized Dec. 11 from a home on Clinton Cemetery Road, Edgewater. The mares’ owners have verbally signed over ownership to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and the civil process of transferring ownership is proceeding. Animal cruelty charges are pending. Niagara, a brown mare, and Tiffany, a black mare, were found to be at least 400 pounds underweight from the normal 900 pounds they should weigh. A veterinarian is closely monitoring them with daily assessments as they slowly recover, being fed hay and carefully reintroducing food. Their conditions remain critical but each day they appear to be recovering. During the sheriff’s visit Tuesday, both mares continuously chomped hay, whinnied occasionally and appeared bright and interested in the humans talking to and about them. The horses are very bonded and occupy stalls next to each other. Sheriff Chitwood visited the horses to reassure the public that these animals are being well-cared for. The horses are suffering from malnutrition but are getting great care at a confidential location so as not to jeopardize this case. The next week to 10 days are critical in their recovery. More information about this case will be released when it becomes available.

Posted by Volusia Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, December 18, 2019