MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A man and a woman are facing animal cruelty charges after deputies found two horses to be malnourished, according to a news release from Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Mercedees Cox, 24, and Tyler Hanners, 27, were taken into custody on two counts of aggravated animal cruelty, MCSO said.
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Deputies received a tip on Wednesday, Aug. 31, that two horses at a home in the 16600 block of SW 42nd Loop in Ocala were being starved.
When deputies got to the home, they found an 8-year-old Chestnut Quarter Horse mare named Cinnamon and an 18-year-old Old Bay Thoroughbred mare named Broadway, who were severely malnourished, MCSO said.
Investigators found that the horses “had lost a significant amount of weight” since Cox and Hanners purchased them in June.
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The horses were evaluated by Peterson Smith Equine Hospital. Broadway was found to have a displaced colon, colic from ingesting sand, and a body condition score of one, which indicates she was emaciated, deputies said. Due to the severity of Broadway’s condition, the veterinarian recommended medical euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
Cinnamon was diagnosed with a heart murmur, heaves, rain rot, and a body condition score of two. With a proper medication and feeding regimen, Cinnamon is expected to make a full recovery, deputies said.
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Investigators found that Cox and Hanners failed to provide adequate food, water and medical care for Broadway and Cinnamon. Deputies said Cox continually insisted that the horses received adequate feedings despite the fact that both of the horses were visibly malnourished.
Cox was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail. Hanners turned himself in at the Marion County Jail on Tuesday.
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