GONZALES - Authorities say a man has been charged with animal cruelty after a horse on his property was found to be highly neglected and in desperate need of medical attention.

According to the Humane Society of Louisiana, the owner was arrested after animal control and the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office responded to a report of animal cruelty in Gonzales.

The sheriff's office confirmed that 32-year-old Kenneth Corley was arrested and charge with cruelty to animals Tuesday after deputies found the 7-year-old horse in deplorable conditions. 

The Humane Society said the horse seemed relieved to be removed from its stall and immediately began grazing after it was released.

Authorities escorted the trailer carrying the emaciated animal, now named Miraj, to an equine hospital for treatment. The Humane Society says the horse will remain in very guarded condition over the next couple of days.