DELEON SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA) — Two horses and a pony have been rescued, and their proprietor was charged with felony animal cruelty after Volusia County deputies stated they discovered the animals in “extraordinarily poor situation” with their bones seen.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Workplace initially launched an investigation in December 2024 after receiving a criticism of a skinny horse on a property on Profitable Wooden Path in DeLeon Springs.
Whereas visiting the property, a deputy noticed Kash, a 26-year-old Sorel horse, who seemed to be in “poor form,” the sheriff’s workplace stated. His proprietor, Twila Guzman, 57, instructed deputies she was working to get the horse medical care.
Nevertheless, investigators stated they later discovered Guzman had cancelled a Jan. 16 appointment with an equine dentist who was presupposed to investigate cross-check Kash, saying she “did not assume it was a good suggestion” as a result of his quickly declining situation.
The sheriff’s workplace stated the identical deputy continued to attempt to test on the progress of take care of Kash and was lastly capable of meet with Guzman on Jan. 29. A day later, deputies seized Kash and two different animals beneath Guzman’s care, a white pony named “Sweet” and a white horse named “Marshmallow.”
The animals have been taken to a rescue facility, the place a veterinarian assessed their circumstances.
In response to authorities, Kash’s backbone hip, and rib bones have been clearly seen by means of his pores and skin, and his hooves have been overgrown. The veterinarian decided that Kash had indicators of thrush, a bacterial an infection that happens on the hooves of horses and stated his life expectancy was “very grim.”
Sweet’s bones have been additionally exhibiting in a number of spots on her physique, regardless of an abundance of fur. The veterinarian famous that the horse had an abnormally sluggish coronary heart fee and was performing uncommon, with employees noticing her laying down a number of instances for unknown causes.
Marshmallow appeared to have an irregular respiratory rhythm and overgrown hooves, as nicely, officers stated.
The sheriff’s workplace stated deputies decided that Guzman had failed to offer enough take care of the animals, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. She was taken into custody Thursday and booked into the Volusia County Department Jail.
As of Thursday, officers stated Marshmallow and Sweet have been recovering, however Kash’s situation remained unsure because of the extent of his well being issues.
