Hill County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Gregory Brinkley on 25 counts of misdemeanor animal abuse on March 5 when Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) volunteers removed the horses along with one donkey, 67 cattle, and two llamas from his ranch near Blum, Texas. Authorities also charged Brinkley with two counts of aggravated assault after he allegedly threatened two deputies at gunpoint during the seizure.

The seizure took place after investigators discovered the animals residing on barren pastures and drinking from a waterhole contaminated with decaying animal carcasses, said Stephen Girsh, public information officer for the Hill County Sheriff's Department. A judge later placed the seized animals in HSNT custody.

If convicted, Brinkley faces up to one year in jail and fines of up to $4,000 for each misdemeanor count. Each assault charge carries penalties of 5 to 99 years to life in prison and fines up to $10,000.