Axel

Axel the horse was emaciated when humane officers seized him from a Springfield Township home, court records say.

(Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary)

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Authorities seized a horse and two chickens in connection with an animal cruelty case.

Amy Croft, 42, is charged with one count of second-degree misdemeanor animal cruelty.

A neighbor notified authorities about the animals' conditions at the home in the 300 block of Meadowridge Road.

Agents went to the home on March 9 and found the emaciated horse, according to court records. The horse, named Axel, also did not have proper veterinary care.

The agents took custody of the horse which is now in the care of Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary in Ravenna.

Diane Johnson, president of the Humane Society of Greater Akron, said the horse is recovering. He is under vet supervision and on a re-feeding program, said Laurie Johnson of Happy Trails. She said they are waiting for test results for Axel's liver and kidneys.

Croft also face charges in an unrelated child endangering case. He is accused of using methamphetamine for two straight days while her 14-year-old son was in the house.

Officers noted the home was in disarray. The ceiling had multiple holes, the insulation was ripped out of the walls and several knives were found lying around the house, the report says.

Croft and a man were taken to the hospital after the two-day drug binge. They were issued court summonses. The 14-year-old boy was released to his father, who does not live with Croft.

Police notified Summit County Children Services of the incident, police reports say.