Charles Borell and his daughter Maria Borell have been charged with 43 counts of second degree animal cruelty by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Mr. Borell was arrested on Wednesday at the Kentucky farm where state and local officials are investigating an alleged abandonment of 43 horses. Additionally, a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Maria Borell, who trained 2015 Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion Runhappy. Borell has not been seen in Kentucky for months.
Second degree animal cruelty is a Class A misdemeanor in Kentucky.
In late May, an article by Margaret Ransom for USRacing.com detailed report on Borell, alleging a pattern of misconduct ranging from failure to pay rent to full on animal neglect. According to the story, Borell leased space at three Central Kentucky farms between 2010 to the present, leaving a trail of property destruction, back payments and animal neglect at each stop.
A follow up story on USRacing.com last week included more evidence of animal neglect from yet another Central Kentucky horse farm leased under the names of Maria Borell and her father Charles Borell.