Horse owner arrested after flood deaths in Camp Verde
The suspect refused to release animals from enclosures while neighbors offered help, according to the marshal's office.
By Lily Carter ·
A horse owner in Camp Verde, Arizona, was arrested on Thursday after several animals died during recent flooding. The Camp Verde Marshal’s Office has not released the suspect’s name but stated that the individual faces animal cruelty charges.
First responders arrived at the property on Sunday after reports of horses trapped in rising water. Investigators found that emergency personnel and neighbors offered to move the animals to higher ground. The owner declined the offer and refused to release the horses from their enclosures.
The marshal's office said the owner received repeated warnings about worsening weather. Despite these alerts, the owner did not move the horses before the floodwaters rose. Crews searched the area for days following the incident.
Four horses were rescued during the search. Three were found dead. Four others are missing and presumed dead. Investigators gathered evidence, spoke with witnesses, and reviewed veterinary evaluations before making the arrest.
The flooding that killed the horses also damaged more than 100 homes in Camp Verde. A dozen of those structures are considered total losses. The marshal's office credited local fire departments, volunteers, and neighbors for their efforts to save the animals under dangerous conditions.
