The following is an archived video story. The text content of that video story is available below for reference. The original video has been deleted and is no longer available.

Bastrop County Investigators Still Searching For Horse Abuser


Investigators with the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office are still searching for a man they say dragged a horse behind his pickup truck for more than 150 yards.

Mariano Resendiz Villafuerta, 43, is charged with one count of felony animal cruelty.

The horse was nearly dragged to death on Nov. 10 at a ranch in Bastrop County. Villafuerta was boarding it at the ranch, and according to deputies, was training it as a show horse.

Deputies say Villafuerta became angry with the horse after it bucked him off. He then tied the horses' reigns to the hitch of his white Ford F150 pickup truck and took off. Once the horse couldn't keep up any longer, it fell, and deputies say Villafuerta dragged the animal more than 150 yards across concrete and gravel.

The horse survived and is expected to make a full recovery -- pictures taken shortly after the incident show cuts so deep the horses' muscle is exposed.

KEYE TV contacted the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office, and they say they are actively looking for Villafuerta but that they need the public's help. His last known address was in Austin, but he doesn't have a social security number or driver's license on record.

The Sheriff's Office posted an update on their Facebook page on Dec. 12 asking the public for any tips on his whereabouts. If you recognize Villafuerta or the F150 pickup truck, deputies are asking for you to call 911 or your local law enforcement agency.

The horse, named Dragster, is now recovering at a rescue center in Nixon, near San Antonio.  To donate to the rescue center, go to http://www.meadowhavenrescue.com/.

According to Darla Cherry with the rescue center, almost $7,000 has been raised for its care. Donations have come from all over the U.S. and as far away as the United Kingdom.

To see new pictures of Dragster, go to https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4159812953146.2157052.1218714821&type=1

Previous stories:

Bastrop County Horse Abuser May Face Felony Charge - http://www.keyetv.com/news/top-stories/stories/bastrop-county-horse-abuser-may-face-felony-charge-5726.shtml?wap=0&

Search On For Man That Dragged A Horse Behind A Pickup Truck In Bastrop County - http://www.keyetv.com/news/top-stories/stories/search-man-dragged-horse-behind-pickup-truck-bastrop-county-5710.shtml?wap=0

Photos from the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office