HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – The owners of a horse that was fatally struck in Lithia Saturday afternoon say they did not have time to repair the fence that would’ve kept it out of harm’s way, according to deputies.

The sheriff’s office arrested James Kickliter after his horse got loose, ran into the roadway and was struck by a passing vehicle.

Deputies said the driver of the vehicle suffered minor injuries, but declined medical attention.

The incident occurred on County Road 672, just west of CR-39.

Deputies were called to the same location the day before when the same horse got loose. Kickliter and his live-in girlfriend Hazel Soape were told they needed to repair their fence to keep the horses safe from motorists.

After the fatal incident on Saturday, investigators said the couple told them they didn’t have time to fix any fencing and gate issues or take any other responsible measures to ensure the horses were safe.

The HCSO Agricultural Crimes Unit of the Homeland Security Division came to the property to impound a second horse. Deputies said the impounded horse will be evaluated by a licensed equine veterinarian. The dead horse has since been removed from the property.

Kickliter was taken into custody and charged with aggravated animal cruelty and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail. Hazel Soape’s charges were direct filed with the State Attorney’s Office, the sheriff’s office said.STORIES OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON: