Owner Of Dead, Malnourished Horses Arrested In Norman

Oklahoma City police arrested a man in Norman after finding dead and malnourished horses on his property.

On July 22, a neighbor called Norman police to a home near S.E. 179th Street and E. Westminister Road after a horse and two llamas walked onto his property and tore up his garden.

When police observed the cattle, they noticed it appeared as if the animals had not been fed or given water in some time. The hooves on the horse were also in bad condition. Norman police then called in Oklahoma City officers for assistance.

Police went to the property next door and found a mobile home that appeared to be abandoned. They also searched a large, metal barn and found the carcasses of three dead horses.

Officers said the water taps on the property were not active, three ponds were dried out, and there was no feed anywhere on the property. It appeared the animals had been living on toxic weeds.

Police called in animal welfare and officers, who were able to identify Michael Ross as the listed owner of the property. Ross agreed to meet with officers.

Officers issued four tickets to Ross for "lack of care." He was placed under arrest and booked into the Oklahoma County jail.