Hillsborough County deputy arrested for allegedly starving miniature horses

TAMPA - A 23-year veteran deputy of Hillsborough County resigned after she was arrested for animal cruelty.  She is accused of depriving food to two miniature horses.  One horse died of starvation.

Deputy Pamela Belo, with Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for 23 years, was suspended without pay and subsequently resigned after she was arrested Monday.

Belo voluntarily surrendered her four miniature horses to RVR Horse Rescue in Riverview.  After seeing the condition of the animals, RVR Horse Rescue contacted the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Agriculture Unit.

A criminal investigation revealed that Belo deprived food and nourishment to two of the four miniature horses between July 2011 and July 2012 while in her custody and care.

Two horses lost a high percentage of body weight, and one of the miniature horses died of starvation.  

The second horse is expected to recover.