Michelle Meyer Salazar, 52, the woman suspected of mistreating 27 horses, turned herself into investigators about 2 p.m., on July 4. She was charged with two felony counts of cruel neglect and four misdemeanor counts of cruel neglect.
Last week, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Animal Crimes Unit was called to the Rio Verde area at North 144th Street to investigate several horses at a boarding facility which appeared emaciated.
As a result of the investigation seven horses appeared to be 300-400 pounds under weight and severely malnourished one of the horses had to be euthanized while the other six were taken into custody for treatment.
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Animal Crimes Unit detectives were called the property previously in regards to these same horses and although Salazar initially cooperated with detectives, the owner has not been helpful for the past several months. The horses were all scored on a scale from one to nine by the veterinarian, one being the worst condition. Seven of horses were scored with a two or worst indicating immediate medical care was needed.