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Residents complain about horse left out in heat to die, Sheriff's office says it isn't what it seems

Posted at 10:42 PM, Aug 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-05 01:12:29-04

Social media users outraged by a Facebook post about a horse some believed was left out in the heat to die.

The Okmulgee Sheriff's Department investigated, and says it's not a case of abuse, and more of a misunderstanding.

The post, shared across the country has people upset, but the owner of the horse says it is not what it seems.

It all started with pictures of a white horse, so skinny, she looks like she's dying.

A passerby shared the picture on Facebook, hoping someone would step in and help.

Sheriff Eddy Rice of Okmulgee County says he received numerous reports and even visited the residence six times.

"The issues were that the animals were being starved, neglected and that they were not being properly cared for," Sheriff Rice said. "Conditions seemed to be somewhat fair."

The sheriff's investigation found it wasn't actual abuse.

"All they had to do was pull in my driveway," Andrew Clark, the owner of the horse said. "I got the food right there, the water right there, and they can see just fine."

Clark says he's the one who rescued the filly, along with another that was in bad shape.

"We've called the vet and we've had the vet come back out with the Okmulgee County Sheriffs Department, he's clarified that I'm doing everything right," Clark said.

He told the sheriff he hoped to heal them, and the filly's the only one that's not recovering.

"The vet did say that he does not feel that it is neglect in any way, he believes that there are more disorders with these animals than on the surface," Sheriff Rice said.

The woman who first complained doesn't believe it.

"It's terrible, it's bleeding why is it bleeding?"

And now, with all the controversy, Clark decided to give them up.

"Possibly if the people believe that mentally it's better for the Paint to go with her because they are so close, then I'll surrender him too to help her out."

The owner won't face any charges, and an equine rescue will be there to help on Sunday.

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