Police Investigating Claims Horse Beaten By Amish Man Until It Collapsed

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Police in Lancaster County are investigating a case of alleged animal cruelty after a photo of an Amish man allegedly beating a horse went viral on Facebook.

The Facebook post, which has been shared more than 13,000 times, claims that the Amish man "beat a horse to the point it collapsed."

The woman who posted the photos claims the horse was not able to pull a wagon full of watermelons and the men inside.

Ephrata Police say they received the animal cruelty complaint Tuesday involving a horse pulling a wagon along a roadway.

At a news conference, officers say they investigated for three-hours.

Officers say they called in a local fire company for help and used 1,000 gallons of water in an attempt to cool the horse down.

Ultimately officers say they had to euthanize the horse.

In a news release, the department says the report was made in a timely manner and the investigation began at that time. Officers conducted interviews and follow up interviews – and will conduct more."

Officers want to remind residents that it's important to sort out fact from fiction.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

They're asking anyone who might have witnessed the incident to "submit a tip" here.