HOLDEN LANE MILLER, repeat offender, arrested after a malnourished horse was found tied to a tree behind his house

- North Carolina, USA -

Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement Officers arrested 24-year-old HOLDEN LANE MILLER (pictured), of Lenoir.

Officers received a tip about a horse who was tied to a tree behind MILLER’s residence.

When Officers made contact with a tenant on the property, they found a black horse who was severely malnourished and in need of immediate medical attention. According to the press release by Animal Care, the horse was approximately 70 yards behind the residence in a wooded area. Officers said the horse did not have any food or water.

In addition to the horse, Officers removed several other animals from the property.

Despite receiving medical attention, the horse sadly died a few days after being seized. 

MILLER was charged with one felony count of animal cruelty and at the time of writing, records show he is being held in the Caldwell County Detention Center with no bond.

On a separate note, as stated in the press release, this is not the first incident that Animal Care has investigated involving MILLER. In fact, MILLER was charged with three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty in April 2025, and with one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty in June 2025. Since April, 170 animals have been removed from MILLER’s residence.

Authorities allege that MILLER “obtains animals through social media and other online platforms.” Animal Care Enforcement is warning the public not to sell or give animals to MILLER.

Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement director, Richard Gilliland, said in a written statement: “Our domestic and livestock animals are like family, and we should treat them as such by providing them a healthy environment.”

Authorities did not disclose the victim’s name so I took the liberty of naming him/her Cotton for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.

###

Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement Division. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!