CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Six horses seized by the Greene County Sheriff’s office will remain in the county’s custody until they’re adopted after a jury ruled the sheriff was right to take the animals from a Ruckersville farm.

Criminal charges could be coming for the farm’s owners.

Following a two-day trial on Aug. 5-6, and two-and-a-half hours of deliberations, a jury of seven ruled that the county sheriff’s department had acted properly when it seized the animals following a Nov. 3, 2024 search of Hidden Creek Farm, the sheriff’s office announced Thursday. Accompanied by a state-certified veterinarian, officers examined 22 horses as a follow-up to a complaint their office received in October, according to a release.

“Of those, six horses were determined to be in immediate danger to their life, health or safety,” according to the sheriff’s release.

The animals were seized and transferred to an equine rehabilitation for care.

“The Greene County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals in the county and appreciates the continued support of the community and local animal welfare partners,” the release states. “Anyone with concerns or information regarding the abuse of animals is encouraged to contact the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.”