A Weirsdale couple, Nicole and Cory Perkins, face felony and misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty after an investigation revealed their two horses, Nitro and Layla, were severely malnourished and neglected, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives responded to the Perkins’ residence on September 23, 2024, after an anonymous complaint about the condition of the animals. Upon arrival at the property at 15115 SE 180th Street, Detective K. McClaskey noted the horses’ deteriorating conditions. This was not the first visit to the property; in March 2024, officials had previously investigated the same horses, finding them lean but in adequate condition at that time.
The investigation revealed Nitro, a 21-year-old chestnut Quarter Horse gelding, and Layla, a 28-year-old dark bay Thoroughbred mare, were significantly underweight with visible ribs, hip bones, and spines. Layla also had overgrown hooves and two open wounds on her legs, while both horses were housed in unsanitary stalls filled with manure. The pasture lacked sufficient nutrition, and while Nicole Perkins claimed they supplemented with hay, none was found on the property during the investigation.
Nicole Perkins admitted the couple was financially struggling and unable to provide adequate veterinary care for the horses. A search and seizure warrant was issued, and both horses were removed from the property on September 24, 2024.
Veterinarian Dr. Eric Evans examined the animals, rating Layla’s body condition at 2 and Nitro’s at 3 on a 9-point scale, where 1 indicates emaciation. Dr. Evans noted their poor condition was due to prolonged malnutrition and lack of care. Layla and Nitro’s health improved after receiving basic care, including proper feeding and hoof trimming, at the Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Investigations Farm.
An arrest affidavit stated that the Perkinses’ failure to provide essential care resulted in prolonged suffering for the horses, supporting charges of aggravated animal cruelty for Layla and animal cruelty for Nitro. Florida law allows felony charges for neglect that causes significant weight loss or prolonged suffering in animals.
Both defendants have been charged and await legal proceedings. Nitro and Layla remain under the care of authorities and are recovering.
