VIDEO UPDATE On Malnourished Horses' Recovery

Date Added: December 18, 2019 11:41 am

Laura Williams
Office of Public Affairs & Media Relations

SHERIFF CHECKS ON EMACIATED HORSES, REASSURES PUBLIC
2 Mares Are Still Critical But Recovering From Starvation

Volusia 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.

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