A veterinarian has been charged with animal cruelty in connection with the ongoing investigation of a sanctuary in Manatee County, Fla.

On Feb. 5, the Manatee County Sheriff's Department confiscated nine horses and about 300 other allegedly malnourished animals from a Bradenton, Fla., sanctuary owned and operated by Alan and Sheree Napier. On Feb. 10 another eight horses were taken from another property belonging to the Napiers in Myakka City, Fla. All the horses, many of which were allegedly emaciated, were taken to Whispering Ranches Feed in Myakka City, after the seizure.

On April 17, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office charged Alan and Sheree Napier with multiple counts of felony animal cruelty; Alan Napier was also charged with one misdemeanor court of fraud.

Sheriff's office arrest documents indicate that on April 19 Edward Dunham, DVM, was arrested and charged with one count of animal torture with intent. He is free on $1,500 bond, Sheriff's office records say