Briana KoenemanIt's a case investigators are calling one of the worst instances of animal cruelty they've ever seen.
"One Kentucky man is facing more than 50 charges after dozens of dead horses are found on his property." (Via WAVE)
According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, investigators found 49 dead horses on Larry Browning's farm after receiving an anonymous tip Monday afternoon.
WXIX reports animal control officers also removed 14 of the 32 horses that were still alive on Browning's property because they were so thin and weak.
Browning was charged with 49 counts of not disposing of an animal carcass within 48 hours and 15 counts of animal cruelty. But he insists he didn't do anything wrong.
He told reporters people have dropped sickly horses off at his farm because they can't take care of them. He says he tried to nurse them back to health, but some were beyond help. (Via The Cincinnati Enquirer)
"I don't know how I can be cruel when all you do is feed them, you know. Never been mean to an animal in my life, and the better you take care of them, the more you get for them." (Via WCPO)
But Browning has been accused of mistreating his animals before.
According to Animals' Angels, a group dedicated to improving conditions for farm animals, investigators found dozens of sick horses on his farm back in 2011. "Some were penned in an area used for manure disposal, standing on ground covered with manure and urine, their hay thrown on top of the filth."
But a Kentucky Department of Agriculture inspector reportedly visited the farm soon after and said that there was "nothing alarming" going on. (Via WKRC)
Several of Browning's neighbors have taken his side and claim he takes care of the horses on his farm.
But the county's equine investigator completely disagrees. He told The Cincinnati Enquirer, "In nine years, this is the worst case of animal cruelty I've seen."
Browning is scheduled to appear in court to face his charges April 15.
