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SALT LAKE CITY — A St. George man is facing multiple counts of animal cruelty after police say they found numerous sick horses that he owns.
Allen Arthur Porter, 65, is charged in Washington County Justice Court with 11 counts of cruelty to animals, a class B misdemeanor.
Animal control officers began an investigation on March 5.
"It was learned that 11 horses were extremely malnourished and emaciated. A veterinarian was contacted to conduct physical examinations on these horses and found them to be extremely unhealthy," according to a search warrant affidavit filed in 5th District Court.
The veterinarian determined that the poor health of the horses was caused by "improper care and undernourishment," the affidavit states, adding that investigators also learned that a colt had died on the property on Feb. 28 due to "starvation and undernourishment."
"Several horses were found to have severe hoof and lower leg injuries. Some of the horses are unable to walk or stand. One of the horses is old and is blind in both eyes. One of the yearling horses has an eye infection in its left eye which will likely need to be removed," investigators wrote in the warrant.
"All of the horses appear to have severe arthritis and joint problems. They are all living in poor conditions that are contributing to their health issues. The horses were found to have little food and water in their food bins on several occasions. Proper care has not been provided to these horses for a long period of time resulting in their extremely poor health conditions."
The 11 horses were seized by animal control, including quarter horses, Appaloosas and a palomino.
