Spartanburg County officials responding to cruelty case on number of horses

WOODRUFF, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – One man is charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty after multiple animals were found on his property.

Today 56-year-old Paul Kica was charged with 10 counts of ill-treatment of animals, according to the Spartanburg County Detention Center.

Kica was given a $1,000 bond on each charge for a total of $10,000.

The Spartanburg County Environmental Enforcement Department responded to 11341 Highway 221 Friday morning with a warrant to seize 35 Arabian type horses, multiple cats, and a dog.

Director Jamie Nelson said this was a week-long investigation. After receiving multiple complaints, an officer was sent to the residence and served a written warning to the owner Monday. In the warning, it states a veterinarian should evaluate the animals.

”Based on the vet’s recommendations and the pictures, that’s when the decision was made it’s time to take these horses and that’s when we secured the warrants,” he said.

During the seize, our FOX Carolina crews were not allowed on the property, but we did get a glimpse of the horses before they were taken.

Mary Moss, with Big Oaks Rescue Farm, says her heart breaks for the animals, but she is helping 7 horses.

“I’m devastated that 38 horses got to this point. It’s bad. I don’t even know what to say. I hope he gets some time out of it because there is no sense in it. And somebody’s got to make him pay for what he’s done,” said Moss. “I’m going to call my vet and get him out there and let them do an exam on all of them because I know there are studs on the property. So I’m going to call my vet and get them all checked out today”.

Director Nelson tells FOX Carolina, that Kica admits some of the animals are in bad shape. He says he loves his animals and is doing everything he can to take care of them. Nelson goes on to say that sometimes pet owners get in over their heads and this is the result.

This is an ongoing investigation. Stay tuned as we work to learn more.

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