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LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) – Lexington County Animal Services announced Tuesday that two women have been arrested and charged for their alleged ill-treatment of animals.
Danielle K. Fowlston, 48, has been charged with nine counts of felony ill-treatment of animals, and Michelle Lyn Murray, 48, has been charged with one count of felony ill-treatment of animals.
Both women were arrested on March 5 after being found at the scene.
Animal services said that it received information in February about welfare concerns at a Lexington County property where Fowlston operated a horse rescue, which led to the agency executing a search warrant.
Investigators then allegedly located more than two dozen horses of different colors, sizes and breeds being cared for by Fowlston and Murray at the property.
Lexington County Animal Services, Brittany Jones said that the agency removed 27 horses, some of whom were emaciated or facing other medical concerns.
Jones also said that all of the removed animals have been taken to facilities and are receiving the appropriate care.
Fowlston and Murray have since been released on bond from the Lexington County Detention Center.
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Lexington County Animal Services investigators have arrested two Lexington women accused of ill-treating various species of equines.
Danielle K. Fowlston, 48, is charged with nine counts of felony ill-treatment of animals, according to arrest warrants.
Michelle Lyn Murray, 48, is charged with one count of felony ill-treatment of animals, according to arrest warrants.
“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. “Based on the information provided, we investigated and subsequently executed a court-authorized search warrant at the property.”
Investigators located 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.”
Jones said investigators transported all the horses to appropriate facilities to receive proper care.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the horses are receiving care from a licensed veterinarian, according to Jones.
Fowlston and Murray were on scene at the property named in the search warrant and taken into custody March 5, 2026. They have since been released from the Lexington County Detention Center after meeting the conditions of their bonds.
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