MOSCOW, ID – The Latah County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement addressing multiple complaints regarding a horse named Popeye, owned by the family of one of its deputies.

According to the sheriff’s office, concerns raised by community members prompted official review. While deputies handle criminal investigations, they noted that they rely on equine experts to assess animal welfare issues. In this case, the Idaho State Veterinarian from the Department of Agriculture was brought in to examine Popeye on several occasions, including most recently this month.

The State Veterinarian estimated Popeye to be around 35 years old, a stage in which horses often struggle to maintain healthy weight. The report indicated that Popeye appeared bright and alert, with no signs of depression or illness such as diarrhea. The veterinarian also confirmed that the horse remains under the care of a local veterinarian.

Based on these evaluations, the State Veterinarian determined there was insufficient evidence of neglect or cruelty. The sheriff’s office emphasized that it is bound by Idaho law when reviewing such complaints.

While acknowledging that not all community members may be satisfied with this outcome, the sheriff’s office reaffirmed its position that expert assessments guide its decisions in cases involving animal welfare.