An Arizona woman is facing multiple animal cruelty charges in connection with allegedly maltreating more than 20 Miniature Horses.

In a written statement Maricopa County, Arizona, Sheriff Joe Arpaio said department personnel executed a search warrant concerning the alleged maltreatment of Miniature Horses at a farm near New River on Aug. 6. Further investigation revealed that the horses' hooves were allegedly in such poor condition that the animals could barely walk, he said.

Sheriff's deputies subsequently seized 24 of the horses and placed them under veterinary care, Arpaio said; one of the horses was euthanized due to its condition, he said. Some of the surviving animals are in the care of the sheriff's no-kill animal shelter, while others were placed in foster homes, Arpaio said.

The animals' owner Heather Philips was subsequently arrested and charged with 24 misdemeanor and three felony counts of animal neglect