A Polk County man faces charges following the distressing discovery of six malnourished horses on his Lakeland property, with one tragically succumbing to her condition, according to law enforcement officials. The Polk County Sheriff's Office responded to the property after receiving reports of animal cruelty. As reported by WTSP, the horses appeared severely underweight with visible ribs and shoulder bones, and no access to food or water was evident in the pasture.
Carl Olinger, 63, identified as the owner of the property and the horses, was arrested after admitting to authorities that he had not attempted to properly feed the equines for two weeks. "He knew the horse's conditions and still did not provide assistance or seek assistance," said the arresting documents cited by WTSP. Trying to alleviate the situation, authorities had a veterinarian respond to provide care to an especially ailing horse found lying in the pasture, an act complicated by the animal's weakened state and untreated eye infection.
Despite hours of veterinary efforts, the 12-year-old horse died following prolonged suffering, which sparked further investigation and subsequent legal action. This tragic outcome was underscored by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, who was quoted by FOX 13 News stating, "This was absolutely, unequivocally a horrible scene."
Sheriff Judd further remarked on the negligence, stressing the point that, "There is no reason in this day and age for you not to get help for your animals." Olinger, now behind bars, is being charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty and animal abandonment. As detailed by SNNtv, the sheriff emphasized available community resources that owners can access to avoid such neglect, pointing to local animal rescues capable of intervening before tragedy strikes.
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