The Suffolk Police Department’s Animal Control Division is looking into animal neglect allegations after horses were discovered in a variety of conditions Sunday.
According to a news release issued Tuesday, authorities executed a search warrant in the 1200 block of Buckhorn Drive and nearby locations on property owned by the same people. The property is in rural western Suffolk.
Officers discovered numerous horses, including 22 suspected of neglect and six dead horses in “varying states of decomposition,” according to police.
The deceased horses have been transported to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for necropsy.
Suffolk police are collaborating with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s State Veterinarian and an independent licensed veterinarian to evaluate and treat the horses on the property.
According to a release, the Suffolk General District Court has ordered that the remaining 22 horses be impounded and removed once boarding arrangements have been made.
The Suffolk Animal Control Division is leading the ongoing investigation, which is being coordinated with the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
There were no other details released.
