Florida Pair Charged for Neglecting Horses

A Florida couple faces multiple charges after they failed to provide care for several horses, including one for which they were paid to look after.
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A Florida couple faces multiple charges after they failed to provide care for several horses, including one for which they were paid to look after.

Polk County, Florida. Sheriff's Department Public Information Officer Carrie Eleazer said that since 2011, a California resident has paid Jacob Caudy and Emily Cowper more than $1,200 to care for her 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding named Dixie Boy. In April, sheriff’s personnel responded to several complaints regarding malnourished horses at Caudy and Cowper's Lakeland, Florida, property. Upon investigation, they found several allegedly maltreated horses, including Dixie Boy, who was found in skeletal condition and residing in a small, fenced compound without sufficient food or water, Eleazer said. Dixie Boy was subsequently surrendered to Polk County deputies, Eleazer said, and was eventually taken to the Hope Equine Rescue in Auburndale, Florida, for rehabilitative care.

Upon further investigation, sheriff's department personnel discovered 18 other horses that were allegedly emaciated, dehydrated, and in distress, Eleazar said. One horse died at the scene while being treated by a veterinarian, and the remaining horses were seized by Polk County Sheriff's personnel, she said. Of the surviving horses, seven are currently receiving veterinary care at the Polk County Sheriff Department's animal control facility, while the 10 healthier horses are at a sheriff’s office stockade in Bartow, Florida, Eleazer said.

The deceased horse underwent necropsy on June 3, Eleazer said

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Written by:

Pat Raia is a veteran journalist who enjoys covering equine welfare, industry, and news. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her Tennessee Walking Horse, Sonny.

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