New York ? A prominent thoroughbred breeder who once owned a Kentucky Derby favorite was charged Friday with cruelty to animals, two days after authorities seized 177 malnourished horses at his Hudson Valley farm.

Ernie Paragallo was charged with 22 counts of violating New York’s Agriculture and Markets law that prohibits torturing or injuring an animal or failing to provide sustenance, New York state police dispatcher Terri Gallagher said.

After Paragallo’s arrest, New York State Racing and Wagering Board chairman John Sabini released a statement saying the board had “immediately terminated his privilege to be involved with thoroughbred racing in New York.”