Two North Texas men are facing animal cruelty charges for allegedly neglecting a Shetland pony that was malnourished, suffering from an infected wound and living in squalid conditions.
The owner of the pony, Jesse Ray Cross, and the pony's caretaker, Franky Lynn Hatcher-Cross, are free on bond after being arrested Saturday on charges of cruelty to livestock animals.
The pony, known as Achilles, was found in Springtown, located about 60 miles northwest of Dallas. Investigators say the pony was severely underweight and had no food or clean water nearby.
Veterinarian staff treating the pony say they will have to wait for its infection to improve before they can operate.
Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler says he will care for the animal and pay for its treatment. He has renamed the pony Achilles.
