SAN ANTONIO – Two individuals have been arrested after allegedly abandoning a critically injured horse following a vehicle crash, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).
On July 27, deputies responded to reports of a severely injured horse bleeding near an abandoned trailer. A veterinarian at the scene determined the horse’s injuries were too severe, leading to its euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
Security footage obtained by the Animal Crimes Enforcement (ACE) Unit revealed that the driver of a silver Dodge Ram truck unhooked the damaged trailer and left the injured horse behind in a parking lot behind Santikos Casa Blanca, BCSO stated.
The driver, identified as 24-year-old David Morales-Mata, was arrested by authorities. Also arrested was 23-year-old Clarissa Morales-Gaytan, who allegedly filed a false police report claiming the truck was stolen, seemingly to distance herself and Morales-Mata from the incident.
During the investigation, Morales-Gaytan told officers that Morales-Mata had crashed his truck while towing the horse, a day after a horse roping event. She added that Morales-Mata instructed her to follow him as he moved the truck and to report it stolen.
Morales-Mata faces charges of animal cruelty to livestock and tampering with evidence, with bond set at $10,000. Morales-Gaytan was charged with filing a false police report and was granted a $1,500 bond.
Authorities continue their investigation into the incident.
