Four buffalo and six horses were seized by Marion County Animal Services after neighbors complained of their poor health. A concerned couple also alerted authorities after noticing a dead buffalo's carcass off the side of a home off US Hwy 27 in Ocala.
Animal Services used the help of independent contractors and the herding dog to help corral the animals. The four adult buffalo and their two calves were transported to a property owned by the Marion County Sheriff's Department.
Elaine DeIorio of Animal Services confirmed ownership of the property to be linked to troubled businesswoman, Christina Perera. Perera is awaiting transport to Marion County from a South Florida jail. According to Broward County records, Perera was arrested March 17, 2011 on a warrant issued by Marion County. State Attorney's records list active charges of fraudulent use of personal identification, grand theft and forgery- all third degree felonies.
DeIorio stated an investigation is underway, and there is a possibility of pursuing charges of animal cruelty in the future.
A message left for Perera's attorney was not returned Wednesday.