Horse deaths in Arizona flood: Owner faces animal cruelty charges
Three horses are confirmed dead and four are missing after the Camp Verde Marshal's Office arrested a property owner for refusing help.
By David Marshall ·
The Camp Verde Marshal’s Office arrested a horse owner on Thursday on animal cruelty charges following a deadly flooding event in Arizona.
On Sunday, emergency crews responded to a property where rising waters trapped multiple animals. Investigators state that neighbors and first responders offered to move the horses to higher ground, but the owner declined to release them from their enclosures. Despite repeated warnings about worsening weather conditions, the owner did not relocate the animals before the floodwaters rose.
Search crews spent the days following the storm locating the horses. Four animals were rescued, while three were found dead. Four additional horses remain missing and are presumed dead. The marshal’s office gathered evidence, interviewed witnesses and emergency responders, and reviewed veterinary reports before making the arrest. The suspect’s name has not been released.
In a social media post, the agency thanked Copper Canyon Fire and Medical Authority, Emergency Equine Evacuation, veterinary professionals, and local volunteers for their work. "Animal welfare is a responsibility that should never be taken lightly," the office wrote, noting that animals rely on owners for protection during natural disasters.
The severe weather caused extensive damage in the Camp Verde area. More than 100 homes sustained damage, and a dozen were declared total losses.
The marshal’s office is currently processing the case details following the completion of the initial investigation.
