NEWS 25 WEHT Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro18 Horses Rescued: Owner Facing 13 Charges of Cruelty To Animals

18 Horses Rescued: Owner Facing 13 Charges of Cruelty To Animals

story by Jamie Rose

VAND. CO., IN - Eighteen horses are rescued from a home on South Green River Rd. Tuesday, after Sheriff's deputies say they were living in deplorable conditions.

The owner of the horses, 54 year old, Steven Lee Duncan, Sr., is now facing 13 counts of animal cruelty.

Deputies with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office say the horses were being kept in deplorable conditions.

Deputies say some of the horses were being kept in stalls that had as much as three feet of manure, and the horses had no water and very little food.

Animal Control now has control of all 18 horses, and the Sheriff's Office continues their investigation into why these horses were left in these conditions.

Right now, all eighteen horses rescued are being temporarily housed at the Vanderburgh County 4H Center, where they are being cared for.

Deputy Jim Tucker with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office says, "They seem to be in somewhat fare health but I wouldn't say in good health."

The eighteen horses were rescued from 2400 South Green River Rd.

Deputies say Duncan does not live at this address and is believed to be using the property to breed the horses.

Deputies say the home is vacant.

Sheriff's deputies along with Animal Control and a vet were all on scene assessing the situation.

The plan right now is to temporarily house the horses at the 4H Center until something more permanent can be worked out.

Deputies say this rescue was a group effort with all officials on scene, but also those outside groups and volunteers more than willing to lend a helping hand.

The Vanderburgh County 4H Horse and Pony Club and the Warrick County Wranglers joined forces, providing much needed care to these horses.

Leader of the 4H Horse and Pony Club tells NEWS 25, "We just tried to round up what we could with supplies and get over here. It feels wonderful to be able to help."

Duncan was being held on a $650 cash bond, deputies tell NEWS 25 he bonded out Tuesday night.

If you would like to donate to help care for these horses, you can send money or drop it off to:

Evansville Animal Care and Control
Attn: Spirit Medical Fund
815 Ulhorn St.
Evansville, In 47710

updated by Marx Pyle

VAND. CO., IN - We have more information on the 18 horses that were removed from stables at a home on 2400 South Green River Road, after the horses' owner has been charged with multiple charges of animal cruelty & neglect.

Seventeen of the horses are being sent to the Vanderburgh County 4H Center and will be given supplies by the Equestrian Club. The Eighteenth horse, which is in the worse condition, is being sent to a foster family.

We'll continue to follow the story throughout the night and bring you more details as we learn more.

updated by Seth Cheek

VAND. CO., IN - Eighteen horses are being removed from stables at a home on 2400 South Green River Road, after the horses' owner has been charged with multiple charges of animal cruelty & neglect.

Vanderburgh County Sheriff's deputies on the scene told NEWS 25 the person who owns the horses, (who is not the homeowner there), has been charged with 13 misdemeanor charges relating to the conditions found at the horses' living quarters there. 

 Sheriff's deputies said many of the horses were living in "deplorable conditions", including some in stalls with around 2-3 feet of standing feces.  We're told not all horses were in these conditions, however all 18 will be removed from the property.

The horse owner is now in custody, and will be transported to the Vanderburgh County Detention Center.  We'll continue to follow the story throughout the evening, and bring you details as we learn more. 

EVANSVILLE - We've learned a bit more about investigators looking into the condition of several horses at a home on South Green River Road.

Animal Control, Vanderburgh County Sheriff's deputies, a veterinarian and representative from a horse rescue are at the home at 2400 S Green River.  The vet was asked to be there to check on the condition of the horses.

A sheriff's deputy on the scene told us there are 18 horses at the home.  It's unclear now how many are part of the investigation.

EVANSVILLE - NEWS 25 is at the scene of a home at 2400 S Green River Road, where crews there tell us Animal Control has decided to step in on behalf of eighteen horses, reportedly being mistreated there.