According to a report from the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office, a local 61-year-old has been charged with 84 felony counts of animal cruelty related to 79 horses, four dogs, and a goat that were removed from his property and taken to a Bureau of Animal Protection facility for health assessments.

On August 11, a summons was issued to Scott Flores for 84 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals related to animals under his care, though these charges were upgraded to felonies after a case review from the 7th Judicial District Attorney’s Office that considered a previous offense.

Two horses were found dead on the man’s property, prompting an investigation. Someone had reportedly spotted a dead horse on the property on May 31, with another passerby reporting another dead horse on the property on June 12.

The investigation into the situation started around that time, with search warrants executed on June 19, during which conditions of the property were documented, and on July 3, when law enforcement was accompanied by veterinarians and investigators. The animals were removed during that second visit.

A follow-up report was then published on October 14, updating the public on the current status of the case and the upgraded charges.

The suspect in the case is set to appear in court on October 21.

All suspects are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.