Des Moines man charged after ARL finds malnourished horse in downtown

A Des Moines man has been charged with neglect of a farm animal after the animal shelter received a report of a “very thin” horse pulling a carriage through the downtown area.

Animal Rescue League of Iowa responded to a call about a malnourished horse pulling a carriage in downtown Des Moines on June 22, Mackenzie Morgen, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit, said in a statement. ARL Animal Service officers reported seeing “every rib” protruding from the horse’s skin.

The Percheron horse, named Bruce, was “clearly malnourished,” Morgen said. Bruce’s hips and spine also protruded from beneath his skin.

According to WebMD, Percheron horses are one of the largest and oldest horse breeds and are known for pulling heavy equipment such as carriages and heavy farm machinery.