Florida Man Pleads in Horse Killing Incident

A man accused of killing a horse and injuring the animal’s rider has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
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A Florida man accused of killing a horse and injuring the animal’s rider has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Previously, Volusia County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Gary Davidson told The Horse that Christopher Todd was allegedly at French Landing along the St. John’s River near Orange City, Florida, at the same time a group of riders were resting their horses there. Davidson said Todd allegedly sped his white 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 toward the water and, subsequently, one rider allegedly approached Todd. Davidson said the rider and Todd had a verbal exchange before Todd allegedly turned his truck and headed for the horses and riders.

While the other horses scattered, one Tennessee Walking Horse did not move; Todd then allegedly rammed the horse, ejecting rider Chloe Sloan onto the hood of the truck, Davidson said. Sloan was not involved in the verbal exchange, Davidson said. He said that as Todd allegedly continued to press the gas pedal, Sloan allegedly fell off the truck hood and the horse fell from the truck’s grill. Todd then allegedly circled the horse and sped away, Davidson said. The horse later died at the scene, Davidson said, while Sloan sustained a broken collarbone.

Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies subsequently arrested Todd and charged him with one count each of animal cruelty and aggravated battery. The Volusia County State’s Attorney’s Office later charged Todd with one count each of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, killing/abusing a horse, and leaving the scene of an accident with injury

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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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