Authorities in West Palm Beach have charged a local woman after the reported discovery of a herd of sick and emaciated horses on her property, including one that had allegedly died from neglect. Pamela Howell Beres, 73, is facing multiple charges related to animal cruelty, following a disturbing report initiated by the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, a complaint received on March 1, 2024, detailed concerning conditions for the horses located at 11030 89th Street North. A licensed veterinarian had reportedly examined the animals on February 23 and described one horse as severely emaciated and in critical condition. The animal was reportedly lying down and unable to stand, displaying distress signals like pale gums, labored breathing, and overgrown hooves—a concerning sign of inadequate care.
Despite a veterinarian’s recommendation for euthanasia due to the horse’s dire prognosis, Beres allegedly insisted that the animal would recover, defiantly stating, “This horse is living and it will live because I say it will.” The vet’s examination was marked by strange behavior from Beres, who reportedly engaged in bizarre interactions with the horse that included licking her horse’s eyeballs.
When animal control officials finally visited Beres’ property, they reportedly observed multiple horses exhibiting severe signs of distress, including prominent ribs and spines indicative of significant malnutrition. The horses had reportedly been deprived of adequate food and water, critical elements for their survival. A subsequent search warrant led authorities to find six more horses, in addition to a pony, all of which were allegedly in a state of severe neglect.
The apparent findings on the property painted a profoundly disturbing picture. Investigators noted insufficient food supplies, with only remnants of hay in the paddocks, while the horses and pony reportedly exhibited conditions closely resembling starvation. Some apparently had visible health issues requiring immediate veterinary care, including dental work and deworming.
Following these alarming revelations, officials from the animal control agency seized the horses and pony, transporting them to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control for urgent medical treatment. The organization is working to address the immediate health needs of the animals, who are now under close veterinary observation.
Beres has been charged with seven counts of animal cruelty and seven counts of confining an animal without sufficient food or water. As the investigation continues, the community is expressing shock and concern over the alleged mistreatment of the animals, highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable creatures from suffering.