Neglected horses lead to severe charges for Seville man.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Volusia County Sheriff's deputies have apprehended a Seville man on charges of animal cruelty following the discovery of four neglected horses under his care. Tragically, one of the horses, due to the severity of its condition, was euthanized.

The incident initially occurred on July 8, when deputies responded to a distress call at 2520 Duncan Road. There, they found two emaciated mares confined in a temporary enclosure devoid of grass. The tan Palomino and brown and white painted horses appeared lethargic, their bones protruding visibly under their skin, while one of the horses had heartbreakingly dug a hole and lay helplessly on the ground, and two other underweight horses were discovered in a separate pasture. All four equines suffered from malnutrition and a lack of essential medical attention, including eye, dental, and hoof care.

Volusia County Sheriff's deputies promptly seized the horses and rushed them to the competent hands of veterinarian Dr. Cindy Merrick for immediate care, with the homeowner's consent.

The homeowner explained to deputies that he had fallen into hard times and could not provide proper care for the horses. However, it was evident that the animals had been suffering for a considerable period, likely months, or years.

Following their rescue, the horses were under round-the-clock veterinary care at an undisclosed facility in New Smyrna Beach. Both mares endured pain due to severely overgrown hooves, dehydration, and infections.

Tragically, on July 22, one of the horses identified as H2 experienced a deterioration in its condition, with infections in its right front hoof and other injuries deemed nonrecoverable. As a result, the decision was made to euthanize the suffering animal. The remaining mare, H1, continues to be in critical condition, although she is showing signs of improvement each day.

The former owner of the horses, Wayne Prevatt, 65, was arrested on Wednesday night based on an active warrant for two counts of felony cruelty to animals, two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals, and four counts of unlawful confinement and abandoning animals. He was in custody at the Volusia County Branch Jail but later released on a $6,500 bond.