Lemoore man arrested by Kings deputies, suspected of abusing horse with a pitchfork

It was on Monday (May 4), at approximately 11 p.m., when Kings County deputies arrived at a home site on Grangeville Boulevard, responding to the report of an intoxicated man, identified as suspect Rogelio Ledezma, abusing his horse with a pitchfork.

Deputies found Ledezma in the horse corral near his residence and discovered a horse bleeding from the mouth and suffering from multiple lacerations consistent with a pitchfork near the animal's torso area. The horse was tied to the corral fencing and was unable to move its head more than a few inches. According to the deputies' report, the horse had no access to food or water. 

Deputies found a pitchfork behind the corral.

Based on the horse's condition, Deputies contacted Kings County Animal Services officials, who subsequently took custody of the horse and treated its injuries.

Based on the investigation and evidence present, deputies arrested Ledezma and booked him into the Kings County Jail for P.C. 597(A), felony animal cruelty, in addition to two out of County warrants.  Jail officials set his bail at $89,800.