Deputies said they discovered a disturbing scene where the horse had suffered from severe injuries caused by a crash that left an “extensive bloody scene.”
BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two suspects accused of dumping an injured horse on the side of the road, leaving it to die in what officials called an “extensive bloody scene.”
On July 27, BCSO responded to reports of an injured horse left critically wounded next to an abandoned trailer.
Upon arrival, deputies said they discovered a disturbing scene where the horse had suffered from severe injuries caused by a crash that left an “extensive bloody scene.” The driver of the trailer was allegedly nowhere to be found.
BCSO sad due to the severity of the horse’s injuries, the responding veterinarian determined it had to be euthanized to prevent further suffering.
Investigators with the Animal Crimes Enforcement (ACE) Unit opened an investigation into this horrible case of animal cruelty.
During the investigation, security footage obtained from a nearby business allegedly showed a silver Dodge Ram pickup towing the horse trailer into a parking lot.
BCSO said the footage showed the driver unhooking the wrecked trailer, which had the injured horse inside, before leaving the area without it.
Footage also allegedly showed a male and female inspecting the trailer, which led to the identification of 24-year-old David Morales-Mata.
Around two hours later, BCSO said the same Dodge Ram was involved in a falsely reported stolen vehicle by 23-year-old Clarissa Morales-Gaytan, in an alleged attempt to separate both individuals from the previous incident.
When investigators met with Clarissa to take her report, she allegedly stated that her and David attended a horse roping event the night before and were “transporting their prized horse in the trailer.”
The next morning, authorities say David called Clarissa, claiming he had crashed while towing the horse in the trailer.
BSCO said David then told Clarissa to follow him as he relocated the vehicle and then instructed her to report it stolen after abandoning the injured horse in the wrecked trailer.
David was arrested and booked into the Bexar County Jail and faces charges of animal cruelty to livestock animals and tampering with evidence. His bond was set at $10,000.00.
Clarissa was also arrested and is faces a charge of filing a false police report. Her bond was set at $1,500.