Young horse found malnourished, frozen to ground in southern Utah has died

Sonn Berrett

UPDATE: The owner, Sonn Kent Berrett, has been charged with cruelty to animals.

UTAH -- A young horse named Elsa that was found malnourished and stuck to the frozen ground in southern Utah several weeks ago has died, according to a statement from the ranch where the horse was being cared for.

Elsa, a 1-year-old horse, had been found on her side stuck to the frozen ground, and rescuers had to pry her loose before they could take her to a trailer.

“She couldn’t lift her head up,” Animal Control Officer Chris Johnson said at the time. “She was kicking her legs quite a bit like she was trying to get away or stand up, get out of that situation, but she basically couldn’t move.”

An Enoch City man faces animal cruelty charges in connection with the incident. The horse’s mother, Anna, was also taken from the property.

The story attracted outrage and outpourings of support and help, and a sling was brought to help Elsa’s recovery.

The Dust Devil Ranch Sanctuary for Horses posted on Facebook Saturday that the horse had passed away.

(Fox 13 - January 18, 2014)

Earlier:

• Southern Utah officers rescue horses from freezing conditions