Horse Killed, Owner Charged With Animal Cruelty


Lithia, Fla. (970 WFLA)-A horse's death has the owner facing aggravated animal cruelty and cruelty to animal charges. 

53 year old James Kickliter of Lithia,  was arrested after his horse got loose and was killed by a car on CR.672.  

It happened the day after Hillsborough County Deputies warned Kickliter to secure his horses or he would face charges.  

Kickliter's other horse was taken away from him, after an investigation revealed that the second horse could not be safely secured, because of inadequate fencing and stalls that were in disrepair.  

Kickliter's live-in girlfriend, 49 year old  Hazel Soape  is also facing aggravated animal cruelty charges. 

According to the sheriff's office, Kickliter told investigators he did not have time to deal with the fencing/gate repair issues .

Photo Credit: Hillsborough Sheriff's Office


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