Horse owners in Alabama and other nearby states are in angry and saddened after being betrayed by a vet student who had promised to care for them. The owners were not able to look after their horses themselves, and entrusted Fallon Blackwood of Blount County Alabama to care for them. Blackwood contacted horse owners through Facebook or Craigslist looking to place unrideable or senior horses in retirement homes. At least one owner gave her two equines to Blackwood only until she moved to a new state. But, the owners fear that instead of the promised peaceful pasture and good care, Blackwood sold the horses to kill buyers.
Blackwood is a third year veterinary student at Tuskegee University. Her scam included offering a safe home for retired horses as pasture buddies for her own horse. Most owners did have verbal agreements to return the horses to them if Blackwood could no longer keep them. Some had informal contracts, although in one instance Blackwood simply did not sign a copy sent to her. Once Blackwood procured the horses, owners contacting her on Facebook found themselves blocked. It’s thought that Blackwood sold at least 50 horses in six different states.
In October of 2018, Blackwood was indicted on 13 counts of intent to defraud by bringing horses into Alabama from out of state and bringing into the state property obtained by false pretense. She was arrested but released after posting a $15,000 bond. In March she pled not guilty to the charges. She has also been indicted in North Carolina. Those whose horses were stolen are asking why Blackwood is still in university and want further legal action.
Although owners have been posting their stolen horses to NetPosse.com, it’s believed it’s unlikely any will be found alive. Meanwhile, Blackwood is reportedly still attending classes and will be graduating in May. Netposse and law authorities recommend that if you are selling or giving away a horse you should do background and property checks, have contracts notarized and have your horses microchipped.
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