BRANCHVILLE
Deputies from the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office arrested an Emporia man after they observed that several horses he owned were in poor health. Kevin Keith King, 53, was charged with three counts of animal cruelty after Southampton County Animal Control found three of the four horses on the farm on The Hall Road near Branchville were suffering from deprivation.

Early last month, Animal Control was alerted to the possible neglect. The department then worked with King to try and provide the horses with proper medical treatment after he said that he was having difficulty finding a good veterinarian.

“Animal Control made arrangements for water and feed at the location,” said Major Gene H. Drewery, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office. “[They] gave King information on a veterinarian that provided equine and farm service. King said he would call and set up an appointment.”

The deprivation continued, and the animals were removed on Saturday, April 25.

“[They] followed up for several weeks, providing care for the animals,” Drewery added. “When they tried to contact King again, his phone had been disconnected. For the safety and health of the horses, the horses were moved to a safer environment.”

King was arrested on Tuesday, May 5. He was released on his signature promising to appear in court. His arraignment date is set for May 22.