Individual cited with animal cruelty after video surfaces of horse dragged behind trailer

FARMINGTON, Utah — A person suspected of dragging a horse behind a trailer has been cited with animal cruelty, Animal Care of Davis County announced Tuesday.

Farmington officials began investigating the case after a video of a horse being dragged went viral. The video showed a horse being dragged behind a trailer towed by a truck, Farmington officials said in a statement posted on social media. The city was notified on Sept. 11, and animal control workers were asked to investigate.

“The city recognizes this is a traumatic incident and understands the public concern around this matter. Animal cruelty is a serious issue and we are concerned for the welfare of the animals within our community,” a statement from the city says.

Animal Care of Davis County said on Facebook on Tuesday that it completed the investigation and determined the gray horse suffered only minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

The city said there were threats of violence made to city staff members, elected officials and the horse’s owner after the video surfaced.

“Needless to say, we are concerned for the safety of humans involved in this incident and we strongly request patience and empathy as this investigation plays out,” the city statement said.

An unidentified person was given a criminal citation for violating the cruelty to animals section in Davis County code. That person fully cooperated in the investigation, Animal Care of Davis County said in the Facebook announcement. “We ask the public to refrain from threats of violence to individuals involved in this sad situation.

“Animal Care of Davis County takes reports of animal cruelty very seriously. The animal care officers did a terrific job ensuring a complete and thorough investigation was conducted. We are glad the gray horse in question is not severely injured,” Animal Care of Davis County Director Ashleigh Young said in a statement.