A Florida sheriff's deputy was arrested Monday, July 16, and charged with felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty after an investigation into the starvation of two miniature horses. One of the horses died.
Good care essential for all equines
A deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for 23 years was arrested for starving miniature horses.
On July 3, Pamela Belo, a Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy surrendered her four miniature horses to RVR Horse Rescue in Riverview, Fla. Shawn Jayroe, owner of the horse rescue, was shocked at the condition of the horses and notified the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Agricultural Unit.
Showing signs of severe starvation and illness, two of the miniature horses were taken to Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, a facility with extensive experience in the care and rehabilitation of miniature horses. Despite their valiant efforts one of the miniature horses, Warrior, did not survive. A necropsy revealed the horse died of starvation, dehydration, and extreme heat.
The second starved horse named Spirit is recovering. The other two horses named Lily and Sandy will be available for adoption.
Belo has been a deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for 23 years. She was suspended without pay and has resigned. If convicted, Belo faces up to five-years in prison...