A horse is in critical condition and another was found dead in an incident of alleged animal abuse that a Colusa County investigator called one of the worst she’s seen.

The living horse was seized from a field near River and Laux roads north of the city of Colusa at around 8 p.m. Friday by Pamela Craig, an investigator for the Colusa County District Attorney’s Office. The Sacramento Rural Fire Department and citizen volunteers assisted in the seizure.

The horses were suspected to have suffered from severe malnutrition and dehydration, Craig said Saturday. The field that the horses were in was grazed down with very little grass left.

“They were very, very skinny,” Craig said.

Craig also noted that the horses did not have any drinking water. On average, a horse needs at least a gallon of water for every 100 pounds of bodyweight per day.

The horses may have been without water for a week or more, Craig said.

Colusa County was the location of another prominent incident of horse abuse in 2004. Investigators seized a horse corralled in College City that had a severe fly infestation and untrimmed hooves that had grown to more than six inches long, making it difficult for the horse to walk.

The horse ultimately had to be put down. The owner, Sally Keaton of Dunnigan, pleaded guilty to felony animal abuse and neglect charges.

No charges have been filed against the owner of the horses, whose name was not released, but Craig said the investigation is ongoing. The owner arrived on scene as the horses were being seized.

“Second to (the Keaton case), it’s the worst I’ve seen, especially with the animal dying, ” Craig said.

The living horse has been treated by an equine veterinarian and is currently at an undisclosed location.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Robert LaHue can be reached at 749-4713. You may e-mail him at rlahue@appealdemocrat.com.