The Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after four horse skeletons were found in a barn along State Route 45 at the Pure Gold Equine Facility.
Deputies said the horses were likely locked inside and starved to death. Seven other horses on the property were found in poor condition. The animals were discovered by someone who had been interested in leasing the property.
A report was sent to the Columbiana County Humane Society and the prosecutor’s office, and a humane agent was called to the scene for further investigation.
Columbiana County Prosecutor Vito Abruzzino said his office has offered its resources to assist investigators.
“Our office has been made aware of the incident concerning the Pure Gold Equine Facility and allegations of abused or neglected animals,” Abruzzino said in a statement. “My staff and I are very aware of the heinous nature of these alleged crimes. We take them very seriously, and my administration’s past results in animal cases reflect that.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Humane Society or the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau.
