Carrollwood Woman Nearly Starved Horse to Death, Deputies Say

A Carrollwood area horse owner faces animal cruelty charges after Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies say she let one horse nearly stave and neglected three others.

Jolie, an emaciated thoroughbred, was seized by deputies earlier this week and placed into the custody of Equestrian Inc., said Det. Larry McKinnon, spokesman for the sheriff’s office. Jolie’s three other stable mates were surrendered by owner Linda Evans on Wednesday, May 22 and were also transported to Equestrian Inc. for care.

Evans faces animal cruelty charges for the condition Jolie was found in, McKinnon said. It’s doubtful charges will be filed in regard to the other three horses since she did voluntarily surrender them, he added.

Jolie’s story serves as a reminder to animal owners of the importance of caring for their creatures, McKinnon said.

“If you can’t feed them, don’t let them starve,” McKinnon said, pointing out that rescues are available to help. “When you get to the point where they’re at (Jolie and her stable mates), there’s no excuse.”

McKinnon said the sheriff’s office takes animal abuse seriously and acts quickly in cases like this.

“A lack of care (is) considered animal abuse and we’re going to put you in jail,” he said.

Charges against Jolie’s former owner are expected to be filed sometime in the next week.

See Also:

Equestrian Inc. Offers 2^nd Chance for Unwanted Horses