LOXAHATCHEE, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — Two horse owners have filed a civil complaint in Palm Beach County, alleging that hay sold and distributed by three companies contained a toxic weed that caused the death of their horses.
The case, Ali Wolff and Michele Philip v. Red Barn Feed and Supply, Inc.; County Line Feed and Supply, Inc.; and Campbell Farms and Forestry, Inc., was filed in the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida under Case No. 502025CA012009XXXAMB. The complaint was electronically filed on Nov. 18, 2025.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Carmen Y. Cartaya of Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, Ltd., based in Fort Lauderdale. The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $50,000 and demands a jury trial.
According to the filing, plaintiff Ali Wolff, a Florida resident, and plaintiff Michele Philip, a New York resident, each owned competitive show horses used in jumper and hunter events. Wolff owned a 19-year-old Holsteiner Warmblood gelding named Casall 4 with an appraised value of $2 million. Philip owned a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding called Generous, also known as Lincoln, appraised at $240,000. Both horses are now deceased.
The complaint alleges Wolff purchased hay from Red Barn Feed and Supply on or about Dec. 21, 2023, while Philip purchased hay from County Line Feed and Supply a day earlier. Both companies are accused of selling hay without inspecting it for “foreign substances including, without limitation, toxic weeds.” The hay was allegedly grown and distributed by Campbell Farms and Forestry, a Michigan-based supplier operating in Florida.
According to the plaintiffs, the hay contained hoary alyssum, described in the complaint as a toxic weed known to cause founder and necessitate humane euthanasia in horses. The weed is alleged to be visible to the human eye and known to be present in Michigan fields where Campbell grows hay.
The filing states both horses developed founder “within days” of consuming the hay, after which the owners euthanized them. Plaintiffs also claim the companies made public representations—through websites and marketing materials—describing the hay as “safe,” “suitable,” “Top Quality,” and a “Trusted Brand,” and that they relied on those representations when purchasing it.
The lawsuit brings eleven counts, including:
- Breach of express warranty (Red Barn, County Line)
- Breach of implied warranty of fitness (Red Barn, County Line)
- Breach of implied warranty of merchantability (Red Barn, County Line)
- Strict products liability for manufacturing defect and failure to warn (Campbell)
- Negligence (Campbell; also Red Barn and County Line under products liability)
- Breach of contract (all defendants)
- Unjust enrichment (all defendants)
- Violation of Florida’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) (all defendants)
The complaint alleges each defendant “placed into the stream of commerce” contaminated hay and failed to properly inspect, test, or warn consumers about the potential presence of toxic weeds. It further claims that growers, distributors, and retailers occupy “a special position of public trust” given the reliance of horse owners on the safety of feed products.
The plaintiffs state they attempted to resolve the matter before filing suit. They are seeking damages related to the loss of their horses, incidental expenses, and attorneys’ fees.
The full legal document is available for public download through the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court.
Related explainer: Contract & Business Disputes.
