A 78-year-old woman in Johnston, Iowa, has been charged with livestock neglect after authorities seized 46 horses from her property, with additional charges pending, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday.
Linda Kay Kilbourne was taken into custody Wednesday following the removal of the horses requiring veterinary attention from the property. The animals were given to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa pending the investigation, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
Johnston woman charged with livestock neglect after 46 horses seized in investigation | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/OxNIfZtfav
— KCCI News (@KCCINews) November 3, 2023
The suspect has previously faced legal issues concerning her handling of animals. In 2020, Kilbourne was charged with improperly disposing of dozens of deceased horses on the farm, including an instance where she allegedly burned an animal carcass, WOI-DT reported. (RELATED: ‘Just Horrendous’: Authorities Find 146 Dead Dogs At Decrepit Ohio Home Allegedly Owned By Animal Rescue Founder)
Amy Wise, a neighbor across from the Kilbourne farm, reported that the horses have been a consistent problem, frequently escaping and causing disturbances in the area. Wise, who has lived near the property for around six years, noted that the horses would often stand in the road, feed on neighbors’ crops, and defecate indiscriminately, according to KCCI.
“If the horses were being fed enough, if they were being taken care of properly, if the fences were properly put up, I don’t think this would be an issue,” Wise told the outlet.