By By Janet Little Cooper – special to the Standard
Two Atmore residents were arrested Thursday evening, Jan. 4 on charges of horse animal cruelty according to Renee Jones of the Humane Society of Escambia County.
Angela McMullen Elliott, of 1605 Smith Dairy Road, Atmore and Mark McGhee, of 1683 Smith Dairy Road, Atmore, were both arrested and transported to the Escambia County Dentention Center in Brewton.
The pair was arrested were made following an extensive investigation of the situation as well as reports filed by the veterinarian in regards to the mares condition.
Jones and local law enforcement officers responed to complaints of a ‘skinny horse' on Smith Dairy Road in Atmore at the home of McGhee on Dec. 12, 2006.
McGhee had not responded to a previous request from the Humane Society fo Escambia County. The mare, known as &#8220Pokey” was found severly emacipated and weak upon arrival of officials, Jones said.
Dr. Hank Lee, of Lee Vetinariy Clinic was called out to examine &#8220Pokey”. After an initial examination, the horse was removed from the property and taken to Lee Veterinarian Clinic. Further evaluation and treatment on the animal was conducted at the clinic.
Jones said that &#8220Pokey” was found to be tremendously infested with parasites and weakend from starvation. She also had a severe case of rainrot.
Despite her weight gain, her condition remains weakend to the point of her not being able to return to a standing position on her own if she lies down.
Following &#8220Pokey's” treatment and care, the mare has been released to a local foster home to be cared for until apermanent home can be found for her, officials said.
Both Elliott and McGhee were being held at the county jail in Brewton. Bond was set for the pair at $800 each.