Two emaciated horses in Brooksville put down, others being examined

Two horses were put down Wednesday after investigators from the Hernando County Animal Services received an anonymous complaint about animal neglect, according to Patrick Pace, animal services supervisor for Hernando County.

Investigators arrived at 14020 Tranquility Lane in Brooksville on Tuesday and found nine horses that were emaciated and in poor condition. When an investigator arrived, he discovered the horses all had chronic and severe malnutrition.

Veterinarians decided Wednesday that two of the horses needed to be put down. Others are being removed from the property this morning. Five have been removed so far and two are left.

The horses' owners, Jerry Conley and Jillian Medina, are trying to keep one of the animals, a Quarter Horse, but the county is confiscating it under an emergency order. A judge will determine final custody of the Quarter Horse, which according to Pace is in much better shape, but still too thin.

"I would say it is animal cruelty because of lack of care," said Pace. "I don't think these people had an intention to hurt animals."

Conley spoke briefly while the horses were being confiscated, saying he may have gotten in over head financially. He said he is a cabinet tradesman who has suffered a substantial loss in business and is being evicted tomorrow from the property where he and his girlfriend, Medina, lived with the horses.

Conley said he and Medina were planning to take all the horses with them tomorrow to a new residence in Pasco County.

"I love these horses," Conley said.

The Hernando Animal Rescue Team will take care of the horses during their rehabilitation. It is unclear right now whether other horses will need to be put down.

The case has been turned over to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office for further investigation.

The horse owners plan to vacate the property tomorrow, says Pace.

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