5 Emaciated Horses Seized by Manatee County

MYAKKA CITY, FL – The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a case of animal cruelty after its deputies seized five horses from a Myakka City couple Tuesday.

According to the agency, deputies responded to a complaint about “thin, emaciated horses” at 4957 Wingate Road around 2 p.m. When they arrived on scene, they made the decision to seize the animals for “their own safety,” an email from the sheriff’s office stated.

The horses’ owners, Heather and Rico Morin, are no strangers to the agency.

“COPS Rural has been at this location in the past on previous complaints,” the email noted. “This time the horses were in the worst shape seen by deputies.”

The animals were removed and taken to the Sheriff’s Jail Farm.

Charges are pending against the Morins, the agency noted.

Further information is not yet available.

Photos courtesy of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office