Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement Officers arrested a Lenoir man after finding a horse tied to a tree in a wooded area behind the man’s residence. Holden Miller has been charged with felony animal cruelty and is being held in the Caldwell County Detention Center with no bond.
This case began when Animal Care received a tip that Miller had a horse tied to a tree behind his house. Once officers made contact with a tenant on the property, they located a black horse tied to a tree approximately 70 yards behind the residence in a wooded area. Lacking food and water, the horse was severely malnourished and in need of medical attention. Officers seized the horse along with several other animals from the property. Despite receiving medical attention, the horse died a few days after being seized.
This is not the first incident Animal Care Enforcement has investigated involving Miller. In April 2025, he was charged with three counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. In June 2025, Miller was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Since April, nearly 170 animals have been seized from Miller.
Miller allegedly obtains animals via social media and other online sites. Individuals selling or rehoming animals should not sell or give Holden animals.
*“Our domestic and livestock animals are like family, and we should treat them as such by providing them a healthy environment,” said Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement Director Richard Gilliland.
