MCLENNAN COUNTY, Texas (KXXV) — The McLennan County Sheriff's Office put out a statement regarding a livestock cruelty investigation, following social media speculation and harassment directed towards the individual accused in the case.

The sheriff's office says the matter was thoroughly investigated and focused on the care of a horse named Levi, whose health, status, age and attempted care management played a significant role in the assessment of the case.

"Medical documentation confirmed that Levi was suffering from a chronic respiratory condition known as heaves, formal termed Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO). This illness is comparable to human asthma and is triggered by an allergic reaction to airborne particles such as dust, mold, and pollen, commonly found in hay, straw, and bar

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