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19 Starving Horses Found At Central Valley Ranch

CLOVIS, Fresno County (CBS/AP) -- A Fresno man has been arrested after authorities discovered 19 starving horses on his leased San Joaquin Valley ranch.

One of the horses on the Clovis property was euthanized because it was in such bad shape.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been taking the other malnourished horses to private stables for care. Most of them were removed from the ranch on Wednesday.

An animal control official said that it's one of the largest-ever animal cruelty cases in the Fresno area.

Investigators say 59-year-old Dana Thomas Kahler was arrested Tuesday and booked for investigation of felony animal abuse.

The  life insurance agent was released Wednesday on bond. He couldn't be reached for comment.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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