Arizona woman faces charges after emaciated horses found on property

MOHAVE VALLEY, AZ - A woman in Mohave County is facing charges after several horses on her property were found severely underweight and emaciated.

Andrea Zindel Smith, 62, told sheriff's deputies they were rescue horses after the office received complaints about the horses needing food, water and medical care.

On June 18, Mohave County sheriff's deputies and Animal Control Officers, along with an Arizona Department of Livestock officer went to the home in the 3200 block of Old West Drive in Mohave Valley.

Officials with the Mohave County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that four adult horses and a young horse were found to be in poor health. All the horses were severely underweight and emaciated.

Officials said the horses had water, however, it was green from algae and manure.

Smith was told to have the horses seen by a veterinarian within a week.

On June 25, authorities again visited Smith who reportedly said she had scheduled a veterinary appointment the following week in Kingman to have the horses examined.

The Kingman veterinarian was contacted and told authorities that Smith had not made any appointments.

Smith was then arrested on five counts of failure to provide medical treatment for animals, misdemeanor charges.

Authorities say an ongoing investigation may result in further charges.