Marion County Horse Rescue Owners Arrested on Animal Cruelty Charges

71 horses found in poor health and deplorable conditions at Happy Valley Horse Rescue

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:52am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a horse's emaciated hoof against a pitch-black background, the harsh lighting revealing the poor condition of the animal.The harsh flash photography captures the grim reality of the neglect and suffering endured by the horses rescued from the Happy Valley Horse Rescue.Ocala Today

Two owners of a horse rescue in Marion County, Florida have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after deputies found 71 horses in their care living in poor health and deplorable conditions. The horses have been removed from the rescue and are now being cared for at other facilities around the state.

Why it matters

Animal cruelty and neglect at supposed animal rescue operations undermine public trust and raise concerns about the oversight and regulation of such facilities. This case highlights the need for stronger protections and enforcement to ensure the wellbeing of rescued animals.

The details

According to authorities, a tip in November 2025 led them to the Happy Valley Horse Rescue in Ocala, where they found the 71 horses in poor health. Two of the horses were in such bad condition they had to be euthanized, while most of the others were underweight, bony, and appeared to be in pain. The barn stalls were also found to be in unsanitary condition.

  • In November 2025, authorities received a tip about the conditions at the Happy Valley Horse Rescue.
  • On April 7, 2026, the owners of the rescue, David Palacio and Janine Chaux, were arrested and charged with 22 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 16 counts of animal cruelty.

The players

David Palacio

A 57-year-old co-owner of the Happy Valley Horse Rescue who has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty.

Janine Chaux

A 58-year-old co-owner of the Happy Valley Horse Rescue who has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty.

Tina Garrett

The co-founder of the South West Florida Horse Rescue, which is now caring for some of the horses rescued from the Happy Valley Horse Rescue.

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What they’re saying

“They're in a safe place. They will be very, very well cared for. They will be loved. They will learn what it's like to actually be a horse and a horse rescue that cares about them.”

— Tina Garrett, Co-founder, South West Florida Horse Rescue

What’s next

Palacio and Chaux are being held on a $71,000 bond as they await trial on the animal cruelty charges. The horses rescued from their facility are now being cared for at other horse rescue organizations around the state.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for stronger oversight and regulation of animal rescue operations to ensure the wellbeing of the animals in their care. It also underscores the importance of the public remaining vigilant and reporting any suspected cases of animal neglect or abuse.