Jesse Ray Cross, the owner of the pony, and Franky Lynn Hatcher-Cross, the caretaker, face animal cruelty charges. Both men were released Sunday after posting $2,500 bond.
“This is a shameful crime which could have been completely prevented had Achilles [the pony] been given the required minimal care and basic necessities,” Sheriff Larry Fowler said.
Officers went to the 3000 block of East Highway 199 in Springtown last Thursday after receiving a call about the welfare of the pony. The pony, renamed Achilles by officers, was so malnourished that its rib and hip bones were visibly protruding
There was no hay or food near the pony, and the only water nearby was dirty and filled with leaves, debris, mosquitoes and larvae, officers reported.
In addition to being underweight and extremely dehydrated, Achilles was suffering from a large, infected wound on its genitals. He also had a difficult time walking because his hooves were overgrown and split.
Achilles was removed from the property and taken to a local veterinarian for treatment.
The veterinarian said the wound to Achilles’ genitals may be inoperable because of the extent of the injury and that he may not survive the surgery in his current state of health.
Fowler said he would help care for the pony and pay for its treatment.
This is not the first time the sheriff has vowed to help and care for an abused animal in his county.
Last summer, he helped find a new home for Hope the dog, who was found tortured last summer.
(Dallas News - June 17, 2013)
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