POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A Lakeland man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after Polk County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Crimes Unit detectives discovered severely malnourished horses on his property, one of which ultimately died from the neglect.
Carl Edward Olinger, 63, was arrested on May 6, 2025, following an investigation into the welfare of six horses under his care.
Upon arrival at Olinger’s property, detectives were met with a grim scene. All six horses in the pasture exhibited signs of severe malnourishment, with their ribs and shoulder bones visibly protruding.
Investigators reported the complete absence of accessible food or water for the animals. The pasture itself offered virtually no edible vegetation, consisting primarily of dirt.
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Tragically, one of the horses was found lying immobile in the pasture, clearly suffering and in significant pain. A licensed veterinarian was immediately called to the scene and determined the horse had been unable to stand for at least 24 hours.
Despite approximately three hours of intensive veterinary care and attempts to help the animal stand, the horse died from the severe neglect and abuse it had endured. The photo of this horse was too graphic and disturbing to publish.
During questioning, Olinger admitted to detectives that he had not fed the horses in two weeks. He acknowledged being aware of their malnourished and underweight condition but took no action to remedy the situation. Olinger also confirmed that the horses were under his care and custody, and their well-being was his responsibility.
“This was absolutely, unequivocally a horrible scene–these horses were severely malnourished,” stated Sheriff Grady Judd. “This was so sad to see, and so avoidable—they were in terrible shape because of this man.”
Carl Edward Olinger has been charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty, five counts of Animal Cruelty, and Animal Abandonment.
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The five surviving adult horses have been impounded and transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office large animal facility for thorough evaluation and ongoing treatment.
A young foal that was also found on the property has been taken into the care of Hope Equine Rescue in Winter Haven, where it will receive specialized care.
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