Lenoir, NC – A Caldwell County man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after Animal Care Enforcement officers discovered a severely malnourished horse tied to a tree behind his home that later died despite medical treatment.
Holden Miller was arrested at his residence following the discovery and is being held in the Caldwell County Detention Center without bond.
Authorities say the case marks the latest in a series of animal cruelty investigations involving Miller this year.
Key Points
- A malnourished horse was found tied to a tree behind Holden Miller’s residence and later died.
- Miller faces felony animal cruelty charges and is being held without bond.
- Nearly 170 animals have been seized from Miller since April.
Horse found starving and dehydrated in wooded area
According to Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement, officers responded to a tip reporting a horse tied up behind Miller’s home. After speaking with a tenant, officers located a black horse roughly 70 yards into the woods, restrained to a tree without access to food or water.
The horse was seized along with several other animals on the property and transported for emergency veterinary care. Despite treatment, the animal succumbed to its condition days later.
Pattern of prior charges
Officials said Miller has been the subject of multiple animal cruelty investigations this year. He was charged in April with three counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and again in June with one additional count. Since those cases began, nearly 170 animals have been confiscated from his custody.
Investigators believe Miller has been acquiring animals through online platforms and social media, prompting warnings to the public not to sell or rehome pets to him.
Animal Care urges community vigilance
“Our domestic and livestock animals are like family, and we should treat them as such by providing them a healthy environment,” said Animal Care Enforcement Director Richard Gilliland.
Authorities said additional charges could follow as the investigation continues and as the condition of the other seized animals is evaluated.