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Local Equine Business Owners Arrested On Horse Cruelty Charges
October 16, 2009
Two Century residents that own a horse related business were arrested Thursday on animal cruelty charges after starving horses were found on their property.
Robin Brownie Floyd, 53, and Lynn Livingston Floyd, 42, both of Gilmore Road, Century, turned themselves in at the Escambia County Jail Thursday on charges of confinement of animals without sufficient food or water. They were released from jail on $6,000 bond each. They are due back in court in early November.
Panhandle Equine Rescue received a tip that several thin horses were being moved by the Floyds to Santa Rosa County, according to PER President Diane Lowery. She said the horses were being transferred to a Santa Rosa County residence and then moved out of state to a horse rescue in Georgia. When PER investigated in September, they found three emaciated horses still on the Gilmore Road property.
“While this may seem like the right thing for them to do, we felt that the Floyds needed to be held accountable, since this is the second time that they have neglected their horses and then given them away”, Lowery said. “This seems to be a pattern for them. Mr. Floyd is a local trainer and farrier and has owned horses for over 30 years, so he should know better. There is no excuse for someone with his knowledge to allow his horses to get in this condition.” Business tax receipt records on file with the Escambia County Tax Collector’s office show the Floyds do own an equine services business operated from a Gilmore Road address.
PER investigated a similar complaint about the Floyds in 2006, Lowery said.
Lowery said Robin Floyd transported nine of his horses to Santa Rosa County where one was euthanized by a veterinarian. She said six horses, including one carrying a foal, remain on the Century property. The Georgia group Horse Rescue, Relief and Retirement Fund, Inc. has offered to take the horses.
“We would have taken in the horses, but the other rescue had already agreed to take them. It would have been difficult for us, since we are at full capacity with little donations coming in, but we would have found a way to help them had it come to that,” Lowery said.
For more photos of the horses from Gilmore Road, click here. (Some readers may find the photos disturbing. Submitted photos by Panhandle Equine Rescue from 2009 and 2006.)
Lowery said both groups are in need of donations to take care of the horses. For more information on the Georgia group, visit www.savethehorses.org and for more information on PER and how to donate to that organization visit www.panhandleequinerescue.org.
Pictured top: One of the horses involved in an abuse case on Gilmore Road. Pictured left inset: Escambia County Jail mug shots of Robin Floyd (top) and Lynn Floyd taken Thursday. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
53 Responses to “Local Equine Business Owners Arrested On Horse Cruelty Charges”
Nobody ever offered to help the Floyds and they were not asked to give the horses up or the rescue wasnt taking the horses ,,,,the horses moved from the property were given to the rescue and “PER” left the other horses behind on the property and i dont think they have even been back to check on them to this day !!
In order for a rescue to take anyone’s horses, they would be checked on more than once. In other words, PER knew about these horses, requested the Floyd’s to properly care for the horses. Then come back later to check on the same horses.
When it is found that the horses are still not getting proper care, then they proceed to take the horses from the perpetrators and have charges pressed.
What is so hard to understand about that?
To the people who write glowing reviews about the Floyds; Just because you know someone personally, doesn’t mean that you know their secrets, hiding in the backyard.
Horse rescuers don’t just show up one day on someone’s property, see starving horses, and take them the same day, not knowing if it was rescued by the property owner, or starved by the property owner. However, if said property owner cannot prove that the animals have only been in their possession for a few days to back up their story, then the rescuers begin to get suspicious. Given time after that to do the right thing (see first paragraph above) and if the property owner cannot show sufficient evidence of the animals being fed and cared for, then the horses are taken. And, rightfully so.
Before you condemn Robin and Lynn Floyd, get both sides of the story… and PHR, you should be ashamed of trying to promote hatred in the horse community-why didnt you try to help the Floyd’s?? Wouldn’t that make you just as guilty if you knew something was going on and let it continue???And you call yourself a “rescue?” Robin has always been good to my horses and is well respected in the horse community. Those pictures are worth a thousand words – I hope PHR has to eat some of these words since they are so quick to point the finger. Good luck Robin and Lynn, God bless you and your horses – you will always be welcome by me and my horses. And yes, I included my whole name like some of you were to chicken to do…..run that mouth but dont back it up – go figure!
Mr. Hudson get a grip and deal with reality. There is an accountability issue here that the owners took lightly. Whether they had water or food the day that PERS visited the residence is clouding the issue. LOOK AT THE PHOTO’s. Horse that are taken care of don’t look like this because of missing one day’s food or water. Put your relationship with this family aside and look at the condition of these horses. If these where your horses would the pictures look the same?? It is unfortunate that people these days don’t want to get involved when they see a WRONG. Thank god for PERS who will face a tough situation such as this to make it RIGHT.
Me and my husband cared for these horses from the very first day .I just wanted to let evryone know they are all doing great .They are going to the Georiga Horse Rescue and Relief and will be placed for adoption when ready.I hope evryone makes a donation to either rescue that helped in this they both need donations very badly.Rather than bash each other and be part of the problem why dont we alll become part of the “SOLUTION “
I will . . and just did. A donation has been sent to Horse Rescue, Relief & Retirement Fund, Inc. . . . this is where the horses actually are. I urge others to do the same.
Who here is willing to help support these horses till they get better and are able to be adopted to new homes
Not all rescues retain ownership ,,some give you full ownership after 2 years and others ask once you adopt and give a donation the horse belongs to you ,,,read on the rescue website that took these horses in Georiga
First of all, I am a Native American and I want to know what the heck General Custer and the American Natives have to do with starving horses.. I have read all of these comment and I am so confused with most of them. You want to say how great the Floyds are but pictures dont lie. And as far as him sleeping in a barn with sick horses last time i was there he didnt have a barn….Now for all of yall great neighbors and friends where were you when these horses were not being feed. why didnt one of you take food and hay over there and feed them for him…..I think ya have a great idea why dont you all get together and form the escambia co. horse welfare, and them you can be like our government and take care of everyone that doesnt want to take care of themself or things they own….I have been offered many horses lately because some can’t afford them, thats what you do when you care about something you find help before its in bad shape. Since when is it PER problem to save escambia horses? people are responsible for themself and the animals they own….
I was thinking about adopting a horse from a rescue organization which shall remain unnamed, until I started reading in the paperwork and did some checking on my own. I found out that if I pay them a $250.00 adoption fee, I cannot sell the horse because I don’t own the horse since they retain ownership. They come out and look at your property to determine if you qualify to adopt a horse. Basically all this rescue place is about is renting horses and finding a good scam way to pay their own bills. If that’s the only way they can feed their horses, then maybe they should try shoeing some or training some instead of stealing other peoples horses and calling it rescue. Also, to the lady who suggested permit money for animals, we live in the USA where fences are actually the answer to the neighborhood Jezebels. Your business begins and ends with that fence line. “If you were not invited you are trespassing” as General Custer found at Little Big Horn. Don’t fire up our Native American Blood. In some of our eyes, the Jezebel spirited neighbors are still treaspassing on our ancestral lands. And as far as this PER, I think it’s a useless organization without any real cause or concern on helping any animal at all. Bottom line is good neighbors help each other in whatever way help can be given. Try distributing feed and hay, not taking someone else’s money to do with as you please.
skeptic — the photos submitted by PER were from incidents they said occurred in 2009 and 2006. You are talking about the dates not being visible — click on the photos in the gallery to enlarge them and you can see the entire dates.
Ummmm…. I notice that several of these pictures have a Nov date on them? The year was cut off, but obviously it is not this year since November isn’t here yet. Horse 10 and 22 (who someone said was sold 2 yrs ago) appear that they could be the same horse. It’s hard to tell because of the way the pictures are cropped. Horse 22 has a November date stamp, whereas horse 10 has a Sept 09 date. Does this mean the authorities that are claiming they are rescueing these animals, allowed the animals to continue in this state for almost a year, or maybe more depending on what year these November pictures were actually taken? Something just isn’t adding up here is it? I look forward to hearing the rest of the story.
I do not know these people. But I have a few questions, that I would imagine will be answered as this progresses.
How long have these horses been in the care of these people?
Have they been their horses for years and slowly got this way?, or were the horses given to them by another who couldn’t take care of them?
Was every horse on this property in this condition, or was there some fat and healthy horses there that PER didn’t happen to take the pictures of?
And, if PER is in the “business” of helping animals, why don’t they let it be known all over the area that if a person who owns animals, especially horses, that if they get in the need of help in feeding these animals, that they are there to help.
Why don’t they spend part of their lucrative income, to get feed to these animals instead of being a presence of “come in and take the animals, and have people arrested”.
People would be apt to ask for help when needed if PER wasn’t so gun ho about “swooping in to take away these horses”.
What if I needed help feeding my kids, and I called the foodstamp office, and they come and took my kids instead of helping me feed them?
Lowery is in the business of “shock and awe” to get her donations. I don’t know that I have ever heard that PER went in to HELP a horse with donations of hay and feed to a owner who was in a bind due to the economy.
An here we go again. Who says or where is it written the PHR is the only one’s who can rescue horse’s? And how many have PHR had to put down as soon as they got them? PHR is a non-profit, Robin and Lynn are not.But having seen PHR in action before , I would give a horse to any one but them. And if you are going to sit at your computer and tear down good people, grow a back bone and post your name. And do not believe every thing you see and read. Once again their side of the story needs to be listen to before you should condemn.
Your all jumping the gun please wait and hear all the facts on the horses from both sides
It is very simple to differentiate starved horses that have JUST BEEN RESCUED from horses that are JUST STARVED. Rescuers have their horses examined by a veterinarian (as PER does), for the animal’s health and for documentation, while people who starve horses DON’T! If you read the article, one of the nine horses that Mr. Floyd sent to Santa Rosa had to be EUTHANIZED immediately–if Mr. Floyd had rescued that horse, he logically should have called the vet himself. (And don’t tell me that a vet call is too expensive–if you are going to rescue an animal, you should know beforehand that you have the means to do it. Otherwise, what good did you do?)
I believe the next time Ms. Lowery takes in a starving animal, that the very next
day someone should report her for cruelty to animals. How am I supposed to
know how long that animal has been there? Ms. Lowery I also rescue animals
and I can tell you that they do not become fat and healthy overnite. It takes a long
time to get them back on track. I believe that a phone call can sometimes sort
things out for the curious or the mean spirited or the people who have no life and
nothing better to do than find fault in others. It reflects to the rest of us that you probably have so much wrong in your life that it’s easier to look at others’ as being inferior. Please note that I will not ever support the type of rescue you run. And why beholdest thou the splinter that is in thy brother’s eye and beholdest not the log that is in thine own eye?
Mr. Floyd is a true shepherd of God’s animals and would not hurt one of them.
Well Ma’am, do you own horse’s? Do you try to rescue horse’s? Do you know them personly? Do you beleive every thing you see and read? How quick we are to judge, and we do it with out getting the other side of the story. I know them , they are freind s of ours and I will stand beside them 100%. And when it does come out their will be those who have blog and have judge to quickly, and I wonder if you are going to come back and tell the Floyds that you where sorry for what you have said and blogged. And by the way they are fine parents, maybe you should hope that your children( if you have any) turn out to be as repectful and polite as theirs.
Attention Mr. Hudson ,I have posted my name: and I still say these people should be ashamed of the way these horses look!! There is a pasture in front of us with horses, they don’t look like this, there is a pasture up the road,the horses and cows do not look like this, there are horses on the next road to us, nope they don’t look like this, I think there are probably thirty horses within two miles of us and not one looks as under fed as these poor animals do.If this is the second time the Floyds have been cited, they do not need to have animals of any kind in their care!!! I would say I hope they don’t have kids but William wouldn’t post it. Oops I said it!!!!
The Floyd’s rescued the horses from someone else and are taking the fall for them exactly like they did in ‘06. Robin will not expose the irresponsible partys from whence the emaciated horses came. Why? Because he is a man of valor and an advocate of the virtue of one’s word. So it shall be that he takes the fall for someone else, but when all of this is over he will still be a man of his word.
So go ahead, kick him while he’s down, and he is certainly down. Kick him good, for he hasn’t the strength to kick back right now. Come on, go ahead, criticize him, let us hear how sorry you think he is, after all isn’t this the best time to kick a man, while he’s on his knees? Kick, kick, kick until your heart is content. And when you say your evening prayers may you ask to be blessed with just a portion of the honorable fortitude possesed by this gentle giant.
I hope and pray that all the folks that have had horses that you could no longer care for or poor, aged or ailing horses that Robin has taken off your hands because he couldn’t bear the thought of you putting it down or sending it to the meat market will be there for the Floyds on their day in court.
He’s been doing this for decades without any donations (as far as I know) unlike PER that is in it’s infancy.
I have known Robin and Lynn Floyd for many years and I know that these charges are ridiculous! To all you people out there who have posted on this site and not used your name, what is it you have to hide or fear? There are many examples of Robin and Lynn’s compasion and love of animals, too many to mention here, but one thing is for certain, the truth will come to light and it will show that both Robin and Lynn live to resuce and help animals. If the PHR is so concerned about the wellness of these animals, what kind of assistance did they provide? The PHR has shown that they feel they are the only group that can care for animals. I too have delt wih the PHR and know they may have good intentions, but their methods and politics do not reflect that of a true animal rescue. I would certainly be interested to see what an investigation of the PHR uncovers, does bullying anilmal owners, trespassing, spying, and slandering good hard working people follow the guidlelines of a resuce organization? Pictures of animals in conditions that most people do not regularly see can be very moving, but they don’t tell the whole story. Lets not condemn before convicted. To Robin and Lynn, we support you and know that the truth of the matter will come out.
I know a man that bought a horse that looked in the same condition. This individual certainly didn’t want the horse for himself, because he had never been around horses, but he bought it in an effort to find it a good home. The horse now has a great home. It would have looked bad on this person to, if someone had turned him in. I hope there is more to this story than we know!!!
I do not know the Floyds, but I do know people that do. I was told that Mr Floyd absolutely loved horses and that sometimes he would sleep in the barn with them when they were sick to take care of them. That doesn’t sound like someone that would do this to a horse. Maybe this is a case of where we need to think inncocent until proven guilty. I know it looks bad, but maybe there is more to the story than we know. I do know someone that bought a horse that looked just like that and he sure didn’t want it for himself but, bought it just for the purpose of getting it a good home and he did get it a great place. It would have looked bad on him until the whole story come out. I hope that is the case!!!!
robin and lynn hope evrything works out
There is alot more to this story that hasnt come out but i think it will in time …lets wait and see what both sides have to say …………………things kinda happened the way to story is told but also kinda had a differnt way in witch things happed
A horse, like your dogs, and Children are all responsibilities. If you can’t take care of them you need to do something about it.
I’m so sick of people and their animals. So many people near me have dogs, Not just 1, but 4 , that bark all day and night. The police do nothing about it , the owners don’t take responsibility. Its really out of control.
When you have close neighbors please respect them, take responsibility for your kids, and your animals. And if you can’t, then do something about it .
I think we need permits to have animals , we should start with $200.00 per dog, and maybe $500 per horse.
Century1–Yes the Floyds WERE sending the horses to a rescue, and by looking at the pictures, it was almost too little too late. But does passing their starved horses off on a GEORGIA rescue relieve the Floyds of their legal requirement to give the animals proper care while on THEIR property? Hypothetically: If you commit a crime and sucessfully HIDE the EVIDENCE of that crime, does that mean that you NEVER DID COMMIT the crime? And should NOT BE PUNISHED for it? This appears to be the Floyd’s defense . . . the horses were either already moved or waiting to be moved to the rescue, thereby absolving the Floyds of any and all wrongdoing. If it works for them, the Sheriff’s Office will have its hands full staying one step ahead of the law-breakers!
“Maybe PER President Diane Lowery should spend more of her time looking for starving childrend, than starving horses. Seems to me her priorities or a little out of touch with reality”
Me!, what does one thing have to do with the other? How many starving “childrend” (sic) have you adopted? You forgot to bring in another unrelated subject, abortion…
In response to Me!: What do PER President Diane Lowery’s “priorities” have to do with ANY of this? Just as people and agencies are needed to protect children from abuse and neglect, they are ALSO needed to protect ANIMALS from abuse and neglect. And lest we stay COMPLETELY off topic, let’s focus on this: The Escambia County, FL Sheriff’s Office issued warrants for the Floyds, so there was obvious evidence that a crime had been committed. Panhandle Equine Rescue was apparently notified of this as a possible case of abuse , but it was the Sheriff’s Office that had the Floyds arrested. We are ALL looking forward to hearing THEIR side of the story.
Maybe PER President Diane Lowery should spend more of her time looking for starving childrend, than starving horses. Seems to me her priorities or a little out of touch with reality.
It says PER investigated a similar complaint in 2006 but did anything come of that? It doesn’t say. I would think if there was something to the 1st time it would be included in this story. They weren’t convicted of anything in 2006. It just says it was investigated. Funny how they throw that in there calling it a pattern.
So what about the other horses left behind ?
Funny how these groups have found a way through this story to ask for donations. Did I read this story right? The Floyds were moving the horses to a rescue shelter when PER received the tip? That would mean they were getting help for their horses? Apparently PER didn’t feel like that they were going to the right rescue shelter.
Lynn is my cousin and I cannot believe this of her. I will NOT believe it until I hear it from her own mouth.
Something stinks in this story and I have a strange feeling that it’s nothing to do with their horses.
Well if I have offended any one with my commits , then I am sorry, but I believe in what I have posted, But these are our friends , and I believe that their side should be heard. But I will not post one thing that I would not say to any one face to face. I do not believe in using any post to be rude or mean. If you post it , then be readly to back it up.
i would be interested in hearing any input that the Floyd’s vet may have to offer, regarding these particular horses…we once had a horse that began to show signs of malnutrition (ribs showing), altho all of the horses were being fed, hayed, pastured and wormed sufficiently…turned out to be a matter of this one horse consuming too much sand, which prevented the proper absorbtion of the nutrients in the food…w/the vets treatment and a few modifications, the condition was corrected….i do believe in hearing both sides before rushing to any particular conclusion…i would suppose that these folks will be allowed to sufficiently present their side during the next court hearing…difficult as it may be for some to exercise patience, i think that patience is exactly what is in order….allow the court system to do its job….i do appreciate the equine rescue groups motivation, which is to work towards protecting those animals/horses who cannot speak up for themselves.
It’s easy to kick a man when he’s down especially when only one side is presented. The Floyds will have their day in court to explain their actions. PER will also have to explain theirs. Slander by ammeninity is the worst violation of basic human regard. No way to defend.
Good for you Panhandle Equine Rescue and Escambia County Sheriff Dept. for doing something about it this time …. as this has been going on for a long time. There are Florida Statutes that protect horses from this kind of curelty, neglect and abuse. If those laws had not been broken … then the Sheriff Dept. would not have issued a warrant for their arrest. There were good reasons to arrest …. all of which we are not priviledged to. These submitted pictures were only a small glimpse of the truth of what has been going on. This is not the first time I have heard and seen of the mistreatment of the Floyd’s horses. Enough is enough. It is a PATTERN in this man’s life and it must be stopped. I shudder to think of all the horses this man has mistreated in his 30 years of being a farrier and horse trainer.
Sorry Wild Bill ,I am not going to buy it. These are my freinds and I will take Robin Floyds word any day on any thing. I do not beleive in turning one’s back on freinds in need. But if you have not noticed that I do not give a tinker’s hoot on what any one has to say about me. You may question my sanity, but I know what is right and what is wrong, and by backbone for what i believe in will not let me do other wise. Get their side before you judge. And do not walk with your nose so high in the air, you might drowned if it rains.
I know for a fact that horse 22 was sold 3 years ago. So I am going to question the rest of the pictures also. Like I said you people need to get both sides of the story before you get on your own “high horse.”
Reply to Muns : You need to get both side’s of the story before you judge , And by the way I am not ashamed of any thing that I have posted. And people who know me , also know that if I post it , I will say it to your face. I have not need to make a post that I will not back up. See my name Robert L. Hudson, no hiding here.
I have horses and am not ignorant of their care. My husband and I would starve ourselves before letting our horses go without feed, water or hay. We’d certainly make other arrangements for them if we couldn’t care for them.
I’ll be happy to listen to the other side of the story if the Floyd’s will address it. But those pictures are hard to argue with unless the Floyd’s just took possession of those horses and hadn’t been able to get them on a vet/feeding/worming/vaccination schedule to any effect yet.
And you think that PHR are the only one’s that try to save horse’s. And how many of you people really know any thing about horse’s? How guick we are to condemn.
Well they can come out , but you know what Maam, my horses are fat and sassy , my vet thinks that we do a excellent job of taking care of them , And we do not need or want any out side so call” experts” telling me how to run my buisness. And if the comment’ s that I have made are subject to me bring “looked” in to well that is what the 1st amendment is about. This is not China, or Russia, and I WILL NOT be intemadated, by what I deciced to blog or how I feel. And by the way Cheryl this is my property, and I say who come’s on it or not. The law work’s both ways. Of course I see that you have no interest in their side of the story, so that shows your bais, get yhe facts before you condemn.
Once again, hooray for Panhandle Equine Rescue and the fine job they do! It takes a good while for horses to get in this shape.
How could a trainer/farrier let horses get in this poor?! I just don’t understand it.
Mr. Hudson, your defense for the Floyds is a little hard to swallow. Perhaps they are or were “fine” people but they have no business owning Any animals. You don’t have horses this emaciated from occassionally not feeding them. The photos don’t show any grass available, so these horse could only stand in the dirt and slowly starve. It doesn’t happen overnight. This has been a pattern for a long time. As far as the water, I think you should have an extra bucket as a back-up in case one gets knocked over or you forget to refill for ONE day. The Floyds may have been good horse people previously, but they’ve apparently lost the capacity to recognize they had a problem caring for these horses. And Mr. Hudson, wonder what you will about the intentions of the PHR because after your comments, they may have to come visit you next…..
Excuse me Robert Hudson,I don’t care how well you know these people,but the pictures speak for themselves, these horses need to be fed. There are two families around where we live who have adopted horses and none of them look like this!! You should be ashamed for making excuses for these people!
Well since you do not know the Floyds, I suggest that you wait to get their side of the story, and you can do any thing with pictures. And from what I have heard about PHR, they will never be welcome on my place.
I do not know the Floyds, but I am familiar with the fine work of Panhandle Equine Rescue. You only need to look at the pictures to determine just how those horses were cared for, and it was the correct call to turn the owners in. Just because the Floyds sent them to a rescue doesn’t absolve them from the abuse and neglect those horses obviously suffered WHILE IN THEIR “CARE”.
I have known Robin and Lynn for a very long time, they are two of the fineist pepole I know. Robin has been our farrier since 1994 and is the best trainer I know. I am going to get their side of the story, I do know this, that Pan Handle rescue are not the only one’s who try to save horse’s. And this bit about no water and not enough food on the place to feed them,Well what time of day did you drop by Mr. Lowery? You do know that they drink the water down. And about food, I only keep enough to give them if I am trying to put on extra weight, or nursing. The rest of the time they eat pasture, and mine are fat . But I do wonder about the intention and the people of PHR. My prayers and best wishs for the Floyd family .
poor innocent animals, thank God they will be taken care of now.
awfull, awfull, poor innocent animals, glad they will be taken care of now.