Family Farm Owner Fights Animal Cruelty Charges, Seeks Return of Animals

Owner's Defense Against Cruelty Allegations

• 👨‍🌾 Robert Hoover, owner of Family Farms in Davie, is seeking to clear his name after being arrested on animal cruelty charges.
• 💡 Hoover claims the accusations are a grave injustice and that he has been farming his entire life.
• 💧 He provided a tour of his farm, highlighting daily care practices like providing fresh water for ponies and hay for cows.

Investigation and Animal Seizure

• 🚨 Davy Police Department, accompanied by a vet and animal control, executed a search warrant based on community concerns about animal welfare.
• ⚖️ Investigators reported finding animals in poor condition, with visible spinal columns and ribs, and some pens lacking food.
• 💔 All animals were removed from the property.

Hoover's Rebuttal and Evidence

• 🗣️ Hoover attributes the complaints to miseducated individuals and asserts he has food receipts, medication records, and established management practices.
• 🤝 He states that other individuals are also involved in the care of the animals.
• 🥺 Hoover expressed that he and his family miss the animals and want them to return home.

Ongoing Investigation and Animal Placement

• 🔬 Test results from the vet are still pending and are expected by early next week, according to a Davy Police Department spokesperson.
• 🏡 In the interim, Hoover's brother is caring for the goats, while other local farmers are looking after the remaining animals.