69-Year-Old Arrested After Allegedly Stabbing and Whipping Horse While Child Watched

A Florida woman has been arrested after deputies say she stabbed and whipped a horse in front of a child at a Cocoa riding facility.

According to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and an arrest warrant obtained by PEOPLE, 69-year-old Shirley Zimmerley was taken into custody on Monday, Aug. 10 in connection with an incident that reportedly occurred on July 26 at Florida Horseback Trail Rides. The child was on site receiving therapy when the alleged attack occurred.

"She stabbed a freaking horse with a knife, then started whipping the horse because she was frustrated over the horse's behavior," Sheriff Wayne Ivey said, adding that the animal appeared severely malnourished.

Deputies say the horse sustained multiple stab wounds and was assessed at a 3 out of 9 on the body-condition scale, an indicator of severe malnourishment. When questioned, Zimmerley allegedly told deputies the stab wounds were merely "cat scratches," according to the sheriff.

When deputies arrived at the stable they discovered additional horses with open wounds. Officers issued several citations and mandated veterinary care for every animal on the property.

Zimmerley was charged with one felony count and two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, per the arrest warrant. She was booked into the Brevard County Jail and remained in custody on a $12,000 bond as of Aug. 10.

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office and Florida Horseback Trail Rides were contacted for comment.