Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MAGNA — The 10 horses found dead in a Magna field died as a result of dehydration and investigators are screening criminal charges against the owner, police said.
Unified police responded to reports of several dead horses in a field near 9200 W. 3500 South on July 18. After further investigation, officers found a total of 10 dead horses in the area and one that was still alive. Police said the horses were found in an area that is fenced in and encompasses “numerous” acres. Investigators did not know how long the horses had been there.
The Unified Police Department and Salt Lake County Animal Services began an investigation to determine the deaths of the horses. After analysis, the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory determined the horses died of dehydration. A man who claimed to know the owner of the horses told KSL that the owner never gave the horses water.
Investigators and the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office will be screening criminal charges against the owner of the horses for animal cruelty.
Police have not released the name of the owner of the horses.
Contributing: Natalie Crofts and Alex Cabrero
