MCSO deputies find suffering ponies and horses
On September 5, Manuel Maria Siguenza was arrested and booked in to the 4th avenue jail as a result of an investigation that began when MCSO Animal Cruelty Unit detectives responded to a complaint of starving horses located at 6215 S. 122nd Avenue in Avondale.
On August 28, deputies met with the owner of the horses, Manuel Maria Siguenza. Siguenza told MCSO deputies that he was the owner of one horse and three miniature horses and two ponies, all of which lived and suffered at the property.
Four out of the six horses owned by Mr. Siguenza were found by deputies to be in poor physical condition showing varying degrees of emaciation.
The miniature horse and one of the ponies had neglected feet, one of which was severely overgrown. The miniature horse was showing signs of discomfort and was emaciated.
A two year old stallion was severely emaciated and appeared depressed. It was also limping on its left front leg. A young filly kept with the stallion was also very emaciated but had a “pot belly” appearance suggesting possible parasite infestation.
No medical treatment appears to have been provided to any of the four horses. The horses were seized due to the severity of the neglect.
They were transported by Sheriff’s deputies to an equine veterinary facility and treated by Dr. Hendrix, D.V.M. The body condition scores for the four horses ranged from 1 to 2 1/2 out of 9, with 1 being severely emaciated and 9 being obese.
The stallion had a severe abscess in his left front foot that bled profusely upon initial exam. The miniature horse with the severely neglected hooves will require x-rays and professional hoof trimming. The two ponies will require medical treatment for parasitism.
All the horses will remain under the close supervision at the equine facility until they have recovered enough to be transported the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office MASH UNIT for care to then be given by Sheriff’s inmates.
Siguenza was charged with 4 counts of cruel neglect and 4 counts of failure to provide medical attention necessary to prevent protracted suffering both class 1 misdemeanors