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Horses seized from New River woman who said "hobos" didn't do their jobs

Posted at 2:28 PM, Sep 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-19 01:37:44-04

Three malnourished horses have been seized from a New River woman after she allegedly claimed that "hobos" didn't do their jobs. 

According to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, the woman has not been arrested at this time. She could face animal cruelty charges for failure to provide medical attention. 

The woman reportedly told authorities that she relied on "hobos" and "transients" to take care of the horses and they had failed. 

The horses have since been turned over to the Durango Equine Veterinary Clinic and are receiving emergency treatment. 

Detectives discovered the situation on September 13 after they received a tip on their animal crimes hotline that reported a "skinny horse" near 14th Avenue and New River Road. 

The owner of the animals allegedly told deputies that she knew the horses were underweight and sick and had not received medical care for at least a year and a half. 

MCSO said the owner allowed detectives and a veterinarian to conduct a medical assessment but had reportedly refused to sign over the animals.

After deputies obtained a search warrant, they seized the horses. 

MCSO said animal cruelty offenses can be reported to their hotline at 602-876-1681.