Vicki Tribovich, a horse advocate, was shocked to find out that Bayfield County decided to return Kim Kingsley’s abused horses to him after they were seized last summer due to reports of abuse. Tribovich and other residents voiced their concerns at a county meeting, emphasizing the need for the horses to have basic necessities and a chance at a better life.

Officials found that the horse enclosures lacked food, water, and shelter, with horses covered in flies and insects. Some horses were underweight, injured, and in poor condition, leading to the recommendation that they be removed. Despite this, the county decided to return the horses to Kingsley, citing lack of evidentiary value and the fact that he has not been charged with a crime.

District Attorney Kimberly Lawton disputed the county’s decision, stating that she did not approve of the horses being returned and that the investigation is ongoing. Residents, like Cynthia Samels, expressed their disappointment and lack of trust in the political system, believing that returning the horses to Kingsley was premature and could jeopardize the ongoing investigation into the abuse.