Another emaciated, but living, horse was also found in the small confined backyard in Riverview, an unincorporated area outside Tampa, Hillsborough County sheriff’s agricultural deputies said in a release.
The two horses were found in the backyard without water, shelter or food. The dead horse had been that way for several days, investigators said.
Neighbors told investigators they had not seen the owner in several weeks.
The surviving horse is being cared for at a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office shelter.
David Wayne Middleton was arrested and charged with unlawful confinement or abandonment of animals. Officials said more charges could be filed.
DISGUSTING! Our deputies found two full-grown horses that were NOT being properly cared for in Riverview. One had been dead for several days. The horses were kept in a 40x40 backyard with no water, food or shelter. David Middleton is now behind bars. pic.twitter.com/lj3jOYNWgN
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) April 12, 2019
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