PASQUOTANK, N.C. (WAVY) – Two women were arrested on Friday after 17 horses required rehabilitation following a welfare check in late June of 2024.

According to Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office officials, on Thursday, July 25, deputies were called to the 2900 block of Main Street to evaluate the condition of 23 horses.

As a result of the welfare check, two of the horses were rehomed, four were returned to the owners and 17 were either surrendered or seized to the care of the U.S. Equine Rescue League, Inc.

On Thursday, Sept. 19, after concluding the investigation, deputies submitted the case to the District Attorney’s Office, where they were able to obtain warrants for Lori Lynn Murphy and Phylicia Nicole McAlpin.

Lori Lynn Murphy (Courtesy: Pasquotank Sheriff’s Office)
Phylicia Nicole McAlpin (Courtesy: Pasquotank Sheriff’s Office)

The following day, on Sept. 20, both Murphy and McAlpin were arrested and served the warrants for 23 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. They were both placed under a $6,500 secured bond at the Albemarle District Jail.

Murphy and McAlpin have both posted bond.