Lenoir Man Charged With Felony Animal Cruelty

Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement Officers arrested a Lenoir man after finding a horse tied to a tree in a wooded area behind his residence. Holden Lane Miller, age 24, has been charged with felony animal cruelty and is being held in the Caldwell County Detention Center with no bond. 

The case began when Animal Care received a tip that Miller had a horse tied to a tree behind his house. Once officers made contact with a tenant on the property, they located a black horse tied to a tree approximately 70 yards behind the residence in a wooded area. Lacking food and water, the horse was severely malnourished and in need of medical attention. Officers seized the horse along with several other animals from the property. Despite receiving medical attention, the horse died a few days after being seized.
 
This is not the first incident Animal Care Enforcement has investigated Miller. In April 2025, he was charged with three counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. In June 2025, Miller was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Since April, nearly 170 animals have been seized from his possession.  

Miller allegedly obtains animals via social media and other online sites. Individuals selling or rehoming animals should not sell or give Holden animals. 

Photo: Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office