Animal cruelty charges sought against owner of neglected, euthanized horse

MOSES LAKE, WA -- A neglected horse had to be euthanized in Grant County last week, and the sheriff's office is seeking to charge the owner with felony first-degree animal cruelty.

According to the Grant County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a property on Road 10 Northeast about 10 miles north of Moses Lake Wednesday, June 19.

Deputies learned a 20–25-year-old gelding was corralled there.

The sheriff's office said the horse had protruding bones, untrimmed hooves, hair falling out, and pest damage.

In addition, deputies saw a water source with algae and no noticeable food source. They determined the horse was starving, dehydrated, and exposed to excessive heat.

Deputies and staff with the Rodeo City Equine Rescue were attempting to load the horse into a trailer when it collapsed.

A local veterinarian determined the horse had been neglected for approximately a year.

The horse was unable to support its own weight and ultimately euthanized.

Deputies have recommended a felony charge of first-degree animal cruelty against the horse's owner.

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