The Leon County Sheriff's Office decided not to file charges in a possible animal cruelty case.

Turns out 8 horses, that some neighbors believed were neglected, were not necessarily victims of animal abuse.

Russell Jonas is a veterinarian who was asked by the Leon County Sheriff's Office to stop by and evaluate the animals at a ranch near Centerville. After thorough examination the vet says the horses are healthy except for a two that need medical attention.

According to Jonas, they aren't victims of animal abuse, as some neighbors had believed, but victims of the drought or the owner knowing what to do in a drought.

"This is the first rain we've received in 6 months, and the pasture conditions and hay quality. The hay that we've been having to ship in from out of state, most of it has been low quality at best," said Jonas.

Investigators say the owner comes twice a week to replenish food and water for the horses. His name is Melvin. He didn't want to give out his last name. He was told to meet with sheriff's investigators to explain the condition of the horses.

"He showed me receipts from 2010 including four round bales of hay that he purchased just this week at $150 a round bale. He had taken this out there this week. He says that he comes up here twice a week to make sure the animals are okay. He has a neighbor that watches them," said Lt. Skip Young with the Leon County Sheriff's Department.

The sheriff's office says their investigation doesn't warrant any charges against Melvin.

"You see one horse that you think is sick, but it's not really sick. I have healthy horses. All my horses are healthy. Nothing has been abused. I'm not coming up here and not taking care of my business like I'm supposed to," said Melvin.

The two horses that needed medical attention were taken to the vet today to be evaluated.