Sign: Pair Abandons Critically Injured Horse in Trailer After Crash

Published: August 11, 2025 at 10:52 PM Author: Penny Eims

San Antonio, Texas – On July 27, a roping horse suffered catastrophic injuries after the trailer he was being hauled in was destroyed in a terrible crash. According to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, the trailer was being pulled by a Dodge Ram driven by 24-year-old David Morales-Mata.

Morales-Mata did not stop to give his horse the urgent care he needed. Instead, he and 23-year-old Clarissa Morales-Gaytan abandoned the destroyed trailer, with their “prized” and critically injured horse inside.

In an August 5 news release, the authorities said:

Security footage from a nearby business showed a silver Dodge Ram pickup towing the horse trailer into the parking lot. The driver then unhooked the wrecked trailer — with the injured horse still inside — and was last seen leaving the area without it. The footage also captured a male and female inspecting the trailer.

The duo responsible for the crash not only failed to give their grievously injured horse care, they concocted a story in a failed attempt to avoid blame. The sheriff’s office explains, “Roughly two hours later, the same silver Dodge Ram involved in the case was falsely reported stolen by 23-year-old Clarissa Morales-Gaytan, in an apparent attempt to distance both individuals from the incident.”

According to investigators, Clarissa Morales-Gaytan claimed that she and David had attended a horse roping event the night before, transporting their prized horse in the trailer. The following morning, David called her, claiming he had crashed while towing the horse. He told her to follow him as he relocated the vehicle, then instructed her to report it stolen after abandoning the trailer with the injured horse still inside, alone and suffering.

Not surprisingly, given the tremendous amount of blood lost, the horse had to be humanely euthanized at the recommendation of the responding veterinarian.

David Morales-Mata and Clarissa Morales-Gaytan must be held accountable for what they did to this beautiful horse. Please add your name to the petition today to help Animal Victory push for the maximum jail sentence!

Target: Bexar County District Attorney’s Office

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that David Morales-Mata and Clarissa Morales-Gaytan be held accountable for leaving a critically injured horse to suffer after a crash destroyed the trailer he was in. This pair intentionally abandoned the horse, taking steps to ensure that they would not be blamed. Laws must recognize the actual seriousness of animal abuse and ensure that those who commit these cruel acts are held fully accountable.

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold this pair accountable not only denies justice to their horse, who suffered immensely and died, but also endangers the community at large. We must send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

Note: David Morales-Mata, 24, was later booked into the Bexar County Jail on charges of animal cruelty to livestock animals and tampering with evidence. His bond was set at $10,000.00. Clarissa Morales-Gaytan was also arrested and charged with filing a false police report; her bond was set at $1,500.00.

News:

San Antonio Express News

News 4 San Antonio

Update 11/19/2025: The next pre-trial conference for David Morales Mata is 12/11/2025 at 9:00 a.m. Judge Helen Petry Stowe. 

Update 11/12/2025: No future hearings scheduled at this time. However, the case number has changed. Case #2025CC014870.

Update 10/20/2025: For Case # 2025PF29357, the next scheduled hearing is a pre-trial on 11/12/2025 at 9:00 a.m. Judicial Officer: Helen Petry Stowe. County Court 1, Cadena-Reeves Justice Center 300 Dolorosa, 1st Floor San Antonio, TX 78205.

Update 8/27/2025: Case # 2025PF29357. David Morales-Mata has been charged with a misdemeanor. His arraignment is on 09/29/2025 at 9:00 a.m. The prosecutor has not yet been chosen. Animal Victory is trying to persuade the victim advocate, Olivia Cardenas to be the animal victim advocate and speak for the horse that had to be euthanized by Bexar County due to his catastrophic injuries. Once the prosecutor has been chosen, Ms. Cardenas will let us know. Clarissa Morales-Gaytan has not been charged.

Update 8/31/2025: Animal Victory sent the petition and updated signatures to the victim advocate.