CITRA, FL (352today.com) – A Marion County woman has been arrested for aggravated animal cruelty after deputies say she allowed a horse in her care to become so emaciated that it had to be euthanized.
On July 23, 2025, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Agricultural Investigator McClure responded to a home in the 15700 block of NW 27th Ave. in Citra after receiving a complaint about an underweight horse. He found a 17-year-old Old Bay Thoroughbred gelding named Bully severely malnourished, with visible ribs, hip bones and tailhead.
Isabella Rose Medina, 22, told the investigator that she had owned the horse for about a year and that he began losing weight over the past month. She admitted she had not sought veterinary care and believed the horse simply needed hay, which she did not have.
A search and seizure warrant was issued the following day, and MCSO deputies returned to seize Bully and transport him to the department’s agricultural facility. The next morning, the horse was found lying down in his stall, unable to stand.
A veterinarian from Peterson Smith Equine Hospital evaluated Bully and found he was suffering from rain rot and had a body condition score of one – the lowest possible, indicating severe emaciation and muscle loss. Due to his condition, the veterinarian recommended humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
Following an investigation, MCSO determined that Medina had intentionally deprived the horse of necessary food and medical care. She was arrested by Detective Kraig McClaskey and booked into the Marion County Jail.