Animal Abuse Investigation

A pair of severely malnourished horses are at the center of an animal abuse investigation in Washington County.

Sheriff's deputies began investigating the case Monday after a News Five viewer took several pictures of the animals on a private road off Highway 17 north of Chatom.

News Five went to the property where the horses were last seen, but both were gone. Robert Scarborough, who owns the land, says the animals were sold last week, but he doesn't know who bought them. Scarborough insists the animals were not neglected.

"I've been feeding them, but that don't fatten them," says Scarborough, who claims the horses were ill with worms.

Washington County Chief Deputy Terry Beasley, says investigators will look for the missing animals. Anyone with information should call the Washington County Sheriff's Department.