Greene County deputies have arrested a Paragould resident on felony animal cruelty charges after allegedly discovering four emaciated horses at her property.
Sgt. Don Crittenden of the Greene County Sheriff's Office reported that the investigation began after a complaint about a neglected horse on Greene County Road 778. Upon arrival, authorities found four malnourished horses inside a fenced area with no grass, feed, or hay available.
According to an affidavit, three of the horses were provided only a tub of stagnant water, and the fourth had a container with less than a quarter inch of water.
Deputies identified Jessica Noel as the owner of the animals. When questioned, Noel stated she was caring for the horses but explained that they had mites and had been without hay for several days, the affidavit said.
A local veterinarian assessed the animals and concluded that their poor condition resulted from severe neglect rather than any underlying medical issues, according to Sgt. Crittenden. During the investigation, detectives were also informed of a horse recently dying on the property, though the cause of death remains unclear.
"Multiple Greene County residents have contacted the sheriff’s department with concerns for the animals being kept at this location," Crittenden added.
On Oct. 10, Greene County District Court Judge Curtis Hitt reviewed the case and found probable cause to charge Noel with four counts of aggravated cruelty to a dog, cat, or equine, a Class D felony. The judge issued a warrant for Noel’s arrest and ordered her to undergo a mental evaluation and refrain from possessing any animals.
Noel remains in custody on a $50,000 cash or surety bond, awaiting her next court appearance.
Authorities encourage anyone with concerns about animal welfare to contact their local law enforcement agencies.