Two people associated with a local horse rescue are facing dozens of animal cruelty charges after investigators said they found widespread neglect involving dozens of horses, including animals so malnourished that euthanasia was deemed necessary.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 57-year-old David Palacio and 58-year-old Janine Chaux were arrested following an investigation into conditions at Happy Valley Horse Rescue on Northwest 95th Avenue Road in Ocala. Both are charged with 22 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 16 counts of animal cruelty.
The investigation began Nov. 4, 2025, when an agriculture detective and investigator responded to an anonymous complaint about neglected horses at the property. Deputies said Palacio and Chaux allowed them to tour the facility, where they observed what they described as troubling conditions.
Investigators reported that many of the horses appeared underweight, with visible bones and overgrown hooves. Some animals appeared to be in pain while walking. Inside the barn, stalls were found to be filled with accumulated waste and soiled bedding that had not been cleaned for an extended period, according to the report.
When questioned, deputies said Palacio and Chaux were unable to explain the condition of the animals or provide an accurate count of how many horses were on the property. Investigators initially identified 54 horses at the rescue.
A search and seizure warrant was executed Nov. 5 and 6, leading to the removal of 69 horses in total. During that process, investigators also located 17 additional horses on a neighboring property that showed similar signs of neglect and were also determined to be under Chaux’s care.
An equine veterinarian evaluated the animals using a standard body condition scale ranging from 1 to 9. According to the sheriff’s office, 20 horses were rated at a 1 or 2, indicating severe malnourishment, while 16 others were rated at a 3. Two horses were determined to be in such poor condition that they were euthanized.
All seized horses were transported to the sheriff’s office agriculture investigations farm, where officials said they have since received treatment and rehabilitation.
Palacio and Chaux were taken to the Marion County Jail, where each is being held on a $71,000 bond.
The sheriff’s office said community partners and local horse rescues assisted in caring for the animals and have since taken custody of them.
