A man accused of neglecting horses in Rock Island County is now facing charges.
The horses, appearing to be severely underweight, were rescued in early October.
The owner had not yet been charged. Authorities said the neglect could have been partly attributed to excessively high hay prices, brought on by the summer drought.
Larry Garrett, 70, of Taylor Ridge was charged October 18 in connection with the case. Garrett was cited for cruelty to animals and for an animal owner duties violation.
The charges are misdemeanors for which he was cited but not arrested.
Online court records showed Garrett was facing other financial difficulties, and that the court gave consideration to his age, his personal circumstances and that he had no previous criminal record.
Owners and workers at Schone’s Farm in Milan, Illinois said several of the animals were improving dramatically after being rescued.
