WILLISTON, FL (352today.com) – A Williston woman is facing multiple animal cruelty charges after deputies say they found nine neglected and emaciated horses on her property.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), 50-year-old Sharon Kay Beekman was arrested on June 13 and charged with three counts of aggravated animal cruelty and four counts of animal cruelty.

Deputies first responded to Beekman’s property on Feb. 1 following an anonymous complaint about suspected animal neglect. When they arrived, they reported finding a barn in disrepair, with garbage and debris scattered throughout, and all nine horses showing signs of poor health – including overgrown hooves and skin issues.

MCSO says that Beekman told deputies she had not been able to provide proper care due to a personal injury and had not had the horses wormed or checked by a veterinarian in months.

Deputies issued an Equine Order to Provide Care, requiring Beekman to have the animals seen by a vet within 10 days and clean the property of hazardous materials. But when they returned 10 days later, no improvements had been made.

MCSO says that one horse had tape on its hoof from stepping on metal, and Beekman admitted she had been overwhelmed and had not followed through with veterinary care.

On Feb. 14, deputies executed a search warrant and seized the horses. A veterinarian evaluated all nine animals using the Henneke Body Condition Score scale, which ranges from 1 (extremely thin) to 9 (extremely overweight). Three horses scored a 2, four were rated a 3, and two received a 4 – all considered underweight.

The veterinarian concluded the horses were underfed and lacked basic care. After being placed in protective custody, MCSO says all nine horses have since gained weight and are in significantly better health.

Beekman was booked into the Marion County Jail.

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