UPDATE: February 10, 2012

We have an update on a story we first told you about Thursday night. Dozens of horses were taken from Meadowbrook Farm Tuesday and the owner is facing allegations of neglect.

Dr. John Brooks is set to appear in court for the first time Monday afternoon. Brooks is a local veterinarian and well known horse breeder. His attorney says Sedgwick County has filed a complaint against him, that claims he hasn't properly cared for his animals.

“Making allegations that there wasn't enough food, water, things like that for the animals,” Attorney Lynnette Herrman said.

Herrman says on Friday afternoon, her office received a 50-page report from Sedgwick county officials.

“I know one of the allegations is there was no food on the premises on Tuesday, no hay, specifically. I was there. We observed hay on the premises. We took photographs of hay on the premises,” Herrman said.

Herrman says the investigation comes on the heels of a very tough year for her client. A year ago Saturday, Dr. Brooks suffered a massive heart attack.

“While he was recovering, he had help from other people and he continues to clean the stalls come feed the horses at night. So his health has certainly had an impact, but in the forefront, he has always made sure the things are done that need to be done to care appropriately for these horses,” Herrman said.

For now, Dr. Brooks' horses are in the care of others while his case is under investigation.

Dr. Brooks' attorney says on Monday, the county will also ask him to pay a $21,300 bond. The bond will cover the horses' care for 30 days while Sedgwick County and Animal Control continue to investigate the case.

Thursday, February 09, 2012

An investigation is underway after Sedgwick county authorities confiscated dozens of horses.

Animal control agents, along with Sedgwick County deputies, took possession of 70 horses Tuesday. Officials tell KAKE news authorities had received information that the horses were being abused.

It is not known where the horses were rescued from, or the names of the individuals under investigation.

The animals were taken to other shelters for treatment, pending the investigation.

A hearing is scheduled Monday in Sedgwick County District Court.

Anyone suspecting animal abuse is urged to call Sedgwick County Animal Control at (316) 660-7070.