Eleven horses were removed from a rural property in North Branch on Friday, November 15, 2019. The owner, Carmen Burth, has been charged with a misdemeanor violation for animal cruelty.

Investigations into the case began in early September by Animal Humane Society and the North Branch Police Department. The horses that were removed from the property have body scores between 2 and 3.5 (a score of 5 is optimal). They were also suffering from poor dental care, poor hoof care, and poor sanitation.

The horses are now stable and are receiving care at partner veterinary clinics before being relocated to a hooved animal rescue.

The case is ongoing and more information will be available as it develops.