Owners of a Florida horse rescue, David Palacio and Janine Chaux, were arrested after authorities found 69 horses starved and neglected on their property. Following an anonymous tip, Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigators discovered many horses in critical condition, with poor hoof care and unsanitary stalls. A veterinarian assessed several horses as severely malnourished, and two were euthanized humanely due to their poor health. Palacio and Chaux face multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty and are held on $71,000 bond each.

The seized horses were taken to the Marion County Agriculture Investigations Farm, where they have since been rehabilitated with the help of community partners and local horse rescues. Sheriff Billy Woods condemned the neglect, emphasizing the department’s commitment to pursuing animal abusers and ensuring justice. No further updates on the legal proceedings have been provided.