RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — A man in Richland County cannot own, possess or care for horses for the next five years after pleading guilty to four counts of animal abandonment, the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office said on Thursday.
Authorities said the owner of Blocker Dude Ranch, Nicholas Blocker, pleaded guilty to the charges on Nov. 12, which were reduced ill-treatment of animals in general, torture and cruel work.
Blocker was arrested in August 2023, and four horses were seized from his ranch. Authorities said the arrest followed an investigation into the care of animals at the ranch after a segment aired on local television.
In May 2023, after receiving multiple reports about the horses' welfare, the Humane Society contacted the Richland County Sheriff's Department to check on the animals and investigate. The Humane Society later worked to help cover the cost of care for the horses while allowing them to remain at the property.
Authorities said that Blocker was issued a directive in July of that year prohibiting the riding of horses for about a month, but that he violated that directive by letting customers ride the horses "throughout July and August 2023."
"The health of the four horses continued to decline as a result of Blocker’s actions," the solicitor's office said.
Following Blocker's arrest, four horses were seized and taken to Equine Rescue of Aiken, a rehabilitation center. Following Blocker's plea, he relinquished ownership of three of the horses and custody of a fourth he was supposed to be caring for on behalf of the owner.
Blocker was sentenced to time served.