Thirty-eight horses were seized by Oakland County Animal Control from High Vibe Trail Rides in Milford on Aug. 12.
On Wednesday, Sept. 2, 37 of the horses were returned, with no charges filed. One of the horses was euthanized following the seizure, and animal control is awaiting results of a necropsy from Michigan State University.
"The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office takes animal welfare cases seriously," Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Williams said in an email. "After a careful review of the investigation in this case, our office determined that no criminal charges should be authorized at this time."
A representative of High Vibe Trail Rides could not be immediately reached for comment.
Oakland County Animal Control Manager Bob Gatt said
he and his staff respected the prosecutor's decision to not bring charges in the case.
"Although no criminal charges were filed in this matter, the Oakland County Animal Control Division conducted a comprehensive and diligent investigation," Gatt wrote in a statement.
Gatt noted the agency is responsible for the well-being of domesticated animals in Oakland County and as such, "we take all allegations of mistreatment seriously and have a duty to investigate them."After receiving "multiple" reports of mistreatment of animals at High Vibe Trail Rides, which is owned by Lucie Ptasznik, Oakland County Animal Control executed two search warrants on Aug. 12 − one at the High Vibe facility located at 2471 Meadowood Lane and the second at a private residence on West Commerce Road in Milford. The following day, two former employees of High Vibe told the Free Press the horses had been starved and abused, and animal control and High Vibe held separate press conferences. Oakland County Animal Control Supervisor Patrick Fanning said the 38 horses were seized due to what veterinarians had "observed in the field" and the horses were in "varying conditions." High Vibe representative Jason Roberts said the horses were healthy and that the investigation was a "witch hunt" that was the result of a personal vendetta by the disgruntled former employees.
A week later, on Aug. 20, Attorney Todd Flood, representing High Vibe Trail Rides and Ptasznik, requested an immediate hearing in 52-1 District Courtto have the horses returned, saying the seizure was "a contrived forfeiture based on bogus information."
Flood was not immediately available for comment Sept. 2.
Gatt said in his statement that the horses were removed for their protection, so veterinary staff could examine and care for them, and the Prosecutor’s Office was provided with the results of the investigation, including the veterinary assessments.
During the forfeiture, the horses were cared for at Horses' Haven, a sanctuary in Howell.
"Our officers pursued every available lead, interviewed witnesses and enlisted the assistance of experienced equine professionals and a veterinarian specializing in horse care," Gatt said. "Every decision was based on the evidence available and our responsibility to protect the health and welfare of the animals involved.”
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 37 horses returned to High Vibe in Milford after investigation ends
