FOX19.com and FOX19 News, weather, traffic, and sports for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky | Horses found dead, others starving in Bethel
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BETHEL, OH (FOX19) - Animal control and police are looking for a man they say left several horses in Bethel either dead or neglected.
The Clermont County Sheriff's Office says Chad Moore, 39, is a horse trainer who used the property, which belongs to his parents. Police say Moore vacated the premises and left the horses behind, perhaps to avoid the legal problems he is facing. He currently has outstanding warrants for child support and DUI/speeding.
Investigators say a neighbor in the 2200 block of Donald Road supplied a tip about the animals. They say several thoroughbreds were abandoned without access to food, water or shelter.
"Just by looking at them they're skin over bones, the belly that you see on them is from worms not from food, nothing is over there," said JoEllen Mullins, a neighbor.
"We counted eight dead horses...some partially decomposed, some all the way decomposed," added Bernie Moore, another neighbor.
"There are three dead (horses) ones in the barn and it makes me sick, I just can't imagine anyone being able to sleep at night knowing they walked away and left this happen," said Mullins.
A Clermont County animal control spokesperson says it's too early to say what charges will be filed. Moore's whereabouts are unknown.
Animal control officers and volunteers removed the horses from the property and took the living ones to a nearby shelter.
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