SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Coopersburg woman is behind bars after authorities say she failed to provide veterinary care for an 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding that was later euthanized because of advanced cancer and severe suffering.
The Bucks County SPCA says Heather Fitzgerald, of Coopersburg, was taken into custody on May 4, 2026. She was arraigned before Judge Gambardella and is being held in Bucks County Prison on $150,000 bail.
According to the Bucks County SPCA, felony animal cruelty charges were filed jointly by BCSPCA Humane Law Enforcement Officers and Springfield Township Police. The charges involve a Thoroughbred gelding named Brazilliant, who investigators say had been suffering from untreated cancer that spread throughout his body.
The SPCA said the case came to light in mid-April when Fitzgerald emailed the organization describing an eye injury the horse reportedly suffered in July 2025. Officials said she had attempted to treat the injury on her own and did not seek veterinary care.
When humane officers visited the property the next day, they found Brazilliant in extremely poor condition. The SPCA said the horse’s damaged eye appeared sunken and was draining what appeared to be blood and pus. Officers also observed a large lump near the horse’s mouth, difficulty eating, significant weight loss, and stumbling while walking.
After consulting with the BCSPCA shelter veterinarian, Brazilliant was taken to Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center Hospital in Kennett Square. Equine specialists determined the horse had cancer in the eye that had spread to the bones in his face, spine, and other parts of his body. The SPCA said the cancer was causing neurological symptoms in his back legs and severe pain.
Veterinary specialists determined that immediate euthanasia was the most humane option.
The Bucks County SPCA said the cancer was a type that can be common and treatable when caught early, but because it was left untreated for months, Brazilliant was beyond recovery.
Authorities say Fitzgerald had been investigated multiple times in the past for conditions involving horses and dogs on her property. The SPCA said she had previously been ordered to make corrections in the care of her animals. Springfield Township Police also filed charges in 2025 after a dog running loose allegedly killed a neighbor’s cat.
A judge later ordered Fitzgerald to rehome all of her animals within six months, according to the SPCA. Officials said she failed to comply with that order, leading to a hearing on May 4.
Fitzgerald is now facing felony charges for lack of veterinary care and torture, along with a misdemeanor charge for lack of care.
The Bucks County SPCA is asking community members to report suspected animal cruelty through its tip line at 844-SPCA-TIP.
First Source News will continue to follow this case as it moves through court.
