Horses had to be rescued from women working at equine rescue, SC official says
Two women were recently arrested on animal abuse charges after dozens of horses were removed from an equine rescue in South Carolina, according to Lexington County Animal Services.
Both Danielle K. Fowlston, 48, and Michelle Lyn Murray, 48, were charged with felony ill-treatment of animals, animal services said Tuesday in a news release. Fowlston was charged with nine counts, while Murray was arrested on a single count, according to the release.
“In mid-February, Lexington County Animal Services investigators received information regarding horse welfare concerns at a Lexington County property where Fowlston operated an equine rescue,” Lexington County Animal Services Director Brittany Jones said in the release. “Based on the information provided, we investigated and subsequently executed a court-authorized search warrant at the property.”
Neither the name nor the location of the equine rescue was included in the release.
During the March 5 search, investigators found more than two dozen horses of various color, size and breed at the property owned and cared for by Fowlston and Murray, according to Jones.
“What we saw prompted the removal of the animals for their safety and care,” Jones said. “We identified and removed 27 horses. Some were emaciated; others have various medical conditions and concerns.”
All the horses were taken to appropriate facilities to receive proper care from a licensed veterinarian, Jones said.
Both women were at the property during the search and were taken into custody March 5, according to the release. They have since been released from the Lexington County Detention Center after meeting the conditions of their bonds, animal services said.
Bond was set at $5,000 for Murray, while it was set at $2,000 on each count charged against Fowlston, Lexington County court records show. Both women posted bond March 6, according to court records.
Despite the arrests, the investigation remains ongoing, animal services said.
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This story was originally published March 18, 2026 at 9:28 AM.
