Three individuals have been arrested following an investigation into the neglect of eight horses in Martin County, officials announced. On January 15, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, along with a veterinarian from the Indiana Board of Animal Health, conducted a welfare check at the residence of Rochelle Peterson in Shoals. Deputies found the horses confined to a small pasture without adequate food or water, struggling in deep, frozen mud and manure. The animals appeared emaciated, with some suffering injuries. One horse had to be euthanized due to an untreatable pelvic dislocation. Veterinarian Eric Renshaw determined all eight horses were in poor condition and required immediate intervention. It was later discovered that Dakota Rice and Mykaela Rice also shared responsibility for the horses’ care. Following the recommendation of Dr. Renshaw and law enforcement, Peterson and the Rices voluntarily surrendered the horses for rehabilitation. On February 6, arrest warrants were issued and executed for Peterson, Mykaela Rice, and Dakota Rice, all charged with animal cruelty, a Class A misdemeanor. They were taken into custody and later posted bond. The horses have been relocated to Sugars Ridge Ranch, a nonprofit rehabilitation facility in Martin County. Those wishing to assist with their care can visit the organization’s Facebook page or donate through the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
