Sentence Pending for Florida Man Accused of Killing Horse

Christopher Todd, accused of killing a Tennessee Walker and injuring a rider, could face up to 35 years in prison.
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A Florida man accused of killing a Tennessee Walking Horse and injuring the animal’s rider could face up to 35 years in prison in connection with the incident.

Last February, Christopher Todd was allegedly at French Landing along the St. John’s River near Orange City, Florida, at the same time a group of horseback riders were resting their horses at the same location. Todd allegedly sped his white 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 toward the water. One rider allegedly approached Todd shouting that the riders were leaving and told him not to speed. Then, the rider and Todd had a verbal exchange before he 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. Sloan was not involved in the verbal exchange. The horse later died at the scene, while Sloan sustained a broken collarbone.

Deputies subsequently arrested Todd and charged him with one count each of animal cruelty and aggravated battery.

Initially, Todd pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, on Feb. 1, during a court appearance before Volusia County Circuit Court Judge James Clayton, Todd changed his plea to an “open plea,” or no contest, said Spencer Hathaway, public information officer for the Volusia County State Attorney’s Office

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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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