💔 VICTIM’S STORY 💔

On March 22, 2022, Willow’s owner took her to the vet, who confirmed she was in excellent health. Later that same day, the brought Willow to KZ Equine so that Zac could put a few rides on Willow. The owner provided the feed and instructed Zac on Willow's feeding schedule, and Zac told the owner he would be responsible for feeding her. When the owner returned to check on Willow that evening, she found her still tied in the same spot where Zac had tied her when she first arrived. At that time, the owner had no reason to believe that Willow had been tied there the entire time.

The owner asked Zac to tell her when he would ride Willow for the first time. On March 26, 2022, Zac called to say he was riding Willow, and the owner went to watch. When the owner arrived, she waited at the round pen while talking to Kylie, wondering what was taking Zac so long to bring Willow out. Kylie received a call from Zac, who informed her that Willow was sick. The owner rushed to the barn and discovered that Willow was gravely ill, suffering from profuse diarrhea and several other critical issues. The owner noticed that her feed bucket was filled to the top with feed, most of which was not what she had provided for Willow, but the feed seemed to have been untouched. The owner later confronted Zac about this, and Zac blamed a barn hand, claiming that he had fed Willow that morning. The owner rushed Willow to the vet, who treated her with aggressive treatments. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, Willow was too far gone and had to be humanely euthanized the next morning. Later, Zac changed his blame story, claiming the owner was responsible for Willow’s death. 

After four days at KZ Equine, this healthy horse became extremely sick, dehydrated, foundered, and trembling, among numerous other severe issues. Vet report included.

__________________________________________

Texas Penal Code 42.09 - Cruelty to Livestock

A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly:

-   (a)(2) fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, or care for a livestock animal in the person's custody;
- (a)(4) transports or confines a livestock animal in a cruel and unusual manner;

*  An offense under Subsection (a)(2) is a Class A misdemeanor.
* An offense under Subsection (a)(4) is a Class A misdemeanor.

Disclaimer: I am not a legal professional. The information provided is sourced from the Texas Penal Code and other reliable legal references; however, it may or may not pertain to the abovementioned circumstances. Please consult with a qualified attorney to obtain reliable guidance and advice.