Tuesday, July 8, 2008

HARRISON COUNTY, KY October 2007

The Kentucky State Police in Dry Ridge have arrested two persons as a result of an investigation into alleged animal cruelty in Harrison County.

Haskell Risner, 51 and Dinah Risner, 49, both of 3281 Oddville-Sunrise Road, Cynthiana were arrested and charged with eight counts each of Cruelty to Animals 2nd degree pursuant to a Harrison County arrest warrant. They were lodged in the Bourbon County Jail on and later released on $250 bond each.


Acting on information submitted by a group of concerned citizens, the State Police began investigation into the health and well-being of 34 horses owned by the Risners on property in rural Harrison County. In addition, approximately 16 carcasses were discovered on their property by the time state police finally executed a search warrant in early November 2007.

County Attorney Charles W. (Bill) Kuster would only authorize an "on-site" seizure--meaning that the suffering horses were left in the defendants’ care after their arrest and release, after which an additional horse died due to an untreated parasitic infestation.

Kentucky law states that Cruelty to Animals 2nd degree is applicable when a person intentionally or wantonly subjects an animal to cruel or injurious mistreatment through a variety of means to include failing to provide adequate food, drink, or health care.

Class A misdemeanors are punishable by a maximum penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $500.

However, after many of the horses were purchased by SpeakUpForHorses in order to remove them from the neglectfull owners, Haskell and Dinah Risner were only given a slap-on-the-wrist plea agreement.


Above Palomino dead:

No comments: