Horse Business Sues County Over Seized Animals

High Vibe Trail Rides, a horse riding business, has filed a lawsuit against Oakland County, accusing officials of unlawful seizure of dozens of horses and causing substantial financial damage. The legal action commenced approximately one month after the county returned 37 surviving horses confiscated during an August animal welfare investigation, during which no criminal charges were filed against owner Lucille Ptasznik.

The lawsuit asserts that county officials neglected to include critical information in their search warrant applications, particularly from a July welfare check where horses were documented as being in good condition with adequate food, water, and shelter. Attorneys also highlight a July veterinary examination that found most horses in normal body condition. A serious allegation concerns the euthanasia of a horse named Knox while in county custody, allegedly without the owner's knowledge or consent.

Attorneys for the business are questioning why only specific horses were seized if conditions were deemed poor, and are challenging a demand for over $63,000 in recovery costs, including nearly $47,000 in unexplained intake fees. The business is also seeking damages for lost revenue, canceled events, and reputational harm suffered during its peak season.