COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – On Thursday, Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) announced Nicholas Blocker, the owner of Blocker Dude Ranch, pled guilty to four counts of abandonment of animals.
The charges come from an investigation that began on May 3, 2023, after the Humane Society of South Carolina received multiple reports on the welfare of horses at Blocker’s ranch. Concerns were raised following a segment aired on WIS featuring equestrians. The Humane Society contacted RCSD to conduct a welfare check on the horses.
According to authorities, arrangements were made after meeting with Blocker for the Humane Society to cover the costs of veterinary care for the horses. Law enforcement said the arrangements were made with the goal of rehabilitation and education while allowing them to remain under Blocker’s care.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) reported deputies arrested a Columbia ranch owner for alleged ill-treatment of horses. (Richland County Sheriff’s Department)
On Aug. 17, 2023, RCSD arrested Blocker and seized the four horses, who were transported to Equine Rescue of Aiken for rehabilitation and care. The Humane Society of South Carolina and Equine Rescue of Aiken both played a significant role in the horses’ rehabilitation.
Blocker’s charges were reduced from the original charges of ill-treatment of animals in general, torture, and cruel work to four counts of abandonment of animals on Nov. 12.
Judge Milton G. Kimpson sentenced Blocker to a time-served sentence after Blocker pled guilty and relinquished ownership of the three horses belonging to him. Blocker also relinquished custody of the fourth horse, which Blocker had been entrusted to care for by its owner.
Judge Kimpson also ordered that Blocker be prohibited from owning, possessing, or caring for horses for five years after his guilty plea.
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