Animal welfare authorities have filed multiple animal cruelty warrants for a Thoroughbred horse breeder who allegedly maltreated 35 animals on property he leased in Davie County, N.C.

Bob DeWitt, animal cruelty investigator for the Davie County Sheriff's Department said the warrants were issued after county animal welfare authorities acting on a tip about the horses' condition removed 34 allegedly neglected horses including two stallions and several pregnant mares from the property in June. Another horse died the day of the removal, he said.

DeWitt said the animals were all part of a breeding operation conducted by Herbert McKenzie. According to DeWitt, McKenzie has relocated to Maryland, but via certified letter, surrendered 12 of the animals to county welfare authorities. Of the 34 removed animals, 10 have been returned to their registered owners. The rest are under DeWitt's care.

Last year, a Davie County judge dismissed similar charges against McKenzie after he, under animal welfare authorities' supervision, provided appropriate care for the animals in that case