Equine Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Abandonment of Animals
November 21, 2024
Nicholas Blocker, the owner of Blocker Dude Ranch, pled guilty to four counts of abandonment of animals, reduced from the original charges of ill treatment of animals in general, torture, and cruel work on Nov. 12. The Honorable Milton G. Kimpson sentenced Blocker to a time-served sentence after Blocker pled guilty and relinquished ownership of the three horses belonging to him, and custody of the fourth horse, who Blocker had been entrusted to care for by its owner. In addition, Judge Kimpson ordered that Blocker be prohibited from owning, possessing, or caring for horses for five years after his guilty plea.
The charges stem from an investigation that began on May 3, 2023, after the Humane Society of South Carolina received multiple reports regarding the welfare of horses at Blocker’s ranch. Concerns were raised following a segment aired on a local news station featuring equestrians. In response, the Humane Society contacted the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) to conduct a welfare check on the horses.
Law enforcement met with Blocker, and arrangements were made for the Humane Society to cover the costs of veterinary care for the horses, with the goal of rehabilitation and education while allowing them to remain under Blocker’s care.
Following three veterinary evaluations, a written and verbal directive was issued on July 12, 2023, prohibiting the riding of the horses for at least 30 days to allow them time to recover. Despite this instruction, Blocker continued to run the ranch, allowing customers to ride the horses throughout July and August 2023. The health of the four horses continued to decline as a result of Blocker’s actions.
On Aug. 17, 2023, RCSD arrested Blocker and seized the four horses. The horses were then transported to Equine Rescue of Aiken for rehabilitation and care. The Humane Society of South Carolina and Equine Rescue of Aiken each played a significant role in the horses’ rehabilitation.
The Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, represented by Assistant Solicitors Emily Burn, Paul Walton, and Morgan Monroe, prosecuted the case.