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San Juan Deputies Seize Starving Horses Near Aztec

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — Sheriff's deputies in San Juan County have seized four emaciated horses from a property outside Aztec they say were at risk of dying as a winter storm moved in.

Sheriff's officials say they took the horses to a local veterinarian for treatment until they're healthy enough to be released.

Spokeswoman Beth Utley says deputies went to the home after a concerned neighbor reported the horses were sick. A county animal control officer told deputies they were malnourished, apparently hadn't been fed recently and could die if left in the soggy corral as a winter storm moved in.

The Farmington Daily Times reports deputies were ordered off the property but later got a warrant. The horses seized Tuesday will eventually go to a horse rescue ranch.

No charges have been filed.