Friday, Mar. 27, 2009
Lexington man charged in animal cruelty case
Herald-Leader staff report
A Lexington man has been charged with second-degree cruelty to animals for allegedly not caring properly for about 60 horses on a Bath County farm.
Kentucky state police said that Tom Browning, 69, was lodged in the Montgomery County Detention Center on the misdemeanor charge on Friday after turning himself in to authorities.
Browning is accused of not been feeding the horses, which led to the deaths of some of the animals. The farm is located south of Salt Lick.
Seven horses were found dead on the property.
The Bath County Outlook reported that these horses are "nurse mares".
Nurse mares are bred to a stud to impregnate them. Upon foaling the mare is stripped from its young and taken to a thoroughbred horse farm to foster high priced foals while their mothers are sent to be re-bred.
The nurse mare foals are a bi-product of this industry; some find homes through rescues who are able to take them in, other aren't as lucky.
Morehead News
.
And so he got a slap on the hand:
Man accused of starving horses in court
A Lexington man accused of starving horses on a farm he leased near Salt Lick, in March 2009, had his charges placed on a pre-trial diversion and they will be removed from his record in two years if he follows the conditions of his pre-trial diversion order.
Veteran Kentucky State Police Trooper, Sam Hunt, arrested Tom Browning, 69, on March 27, 2009, following an investigation into horses allegedly starving to death at 2806 South Highway 211 (Mc-Clain Cemetery Road), located near Salt Lick.
Browning entered a plea of not guilty during his arraignment on the charge, which was held in the weeks following his arrest.
Browning and his attorney, Honorable Michael Campbell, of Morehead, signed a pre-trial diversion order last week, on June 15.
Bath District Judge, Honorable Don Blair also signed the order.
There are several conditions that Browning must meet and adhere to in the next two years or the court may revoke or modify any conditions and/or reinstate the case for trial if Browning violates any of the conditions, according to court records.
Those conditions include:
Providing adequate feed, water and salt, for his horses on any property that he owns or leases in Bath County.
Browning will allow Nancy Gauze to check on the horses, twice a week, which he keeps at the Pergram Farm, where the alleged cruelty charges originated.
Browning will keep all sale bills and receipts from public stockyards to prove to the court evidence of when and where he obtains horses that he keeps in Bath County.
Browning must come to Bath County within four hours of any report of any horse being in distress and provide appropriate care for the endangered horse.
Browning will provide the Bath County Attorney with phone numbers to contact either he or his wife.
The Commonwealth has the right to have a veterinarian come to any farm on which Browning has horses in Bath County to check upon the horses and Browning must pay for any treatment that is rendered.
Browning, who lists his home address as being in the community of Stamping Grounds, near Lexington, has had run ins with the law in the past, in regard to animal problems, according to court documents. He has been charged with dogs running at large in Fayette County, in July 2007, and was charged with cattle running at large also in Fayette County in 2004, according to court documents.
Browning told Trooper Hunt on March 23, that he only had 30 horses on the McClain Cemetery Road property, but Trooper Hunt counted and
photographed 60 horses, according to court documents.
Trooper Hunt also noted on his complaint that he counted 17 rolled bales of hay in a barn.
For the next three days Trooper Hunt returned to the farm and the 17 rolled bales of hay were still in the barn and had not been fed to the horses, some of which allegedly became so hungry they began to eat on the carcasses of the dead horses that lay in the field, and which neighbors believed to have perished from starvation.
Hunt noted that there was no pasture available for the horses to feed on and there hadn't been any available since fall of 2008.
Browning posted $250 and was released from jail the same day he was arrested. As part of his bond conditions he had to provide Bath County Judge-Executive Carolyn Belcher with a feeding schedule and location of food.
"Mr. Browning does now appear to be feeding the horses, " Belcher said last year. Belcher said the Bath Animal Control Officer was closely monitoring the situation until its resolution in Bath District Court.
smalltownnews
Thursday, April 2, 2009
BRECKENRIDGE COUNTY, KY February 2009
Guston woman gets 17 counts animal cruelty
by Laura SaylorEditorwrite the author
February 27, 2009BRECKINRIDGE CO.
A Guston woman was charged with 17 counts of cruelty to animals 2nd degree when nine horses were found starved to death on her rented farm.
Breckinridge County Sheriff Todd Pate said Glenda A. Wright, 51, has a Guston address though the farmland she rents on Bewleyville-Rosetta Road fell under Breckinridge County jurisdiction.
Pate said animal control officer Mike Picente received calls about animals not being taken care of on Wright's property. Pate, Picente, and two veterinarians went out to the farm earlier this month where there were roughly 40 horses.Pate said nine of those horses were emaciated to the point of death, and eight others were in dire need of medical care.
Wright was arraigned in district court Feb. 10. Pate said she is presently out on bond, and a trial is slated for April 17.
Pate said he had been alerted of mistreatment of animals at Wright's farm before, but during a prior investigation the physical condition of the animals at that time didn't warrant charges of animal cruelty.
He said staff members of Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Irvington, Ky., are caring for the horses at the farm.
NEWS
Update:
The trial is scheduled for May of 2009.
So far Glenda Wright has refused to relinquish ownership of any of these animals.
Studs are still running loose on the property with mares. Two foals have been born since charges were brought against Wright, several other mares are due to foal at any time.
We would like to thank the staff at Braodbent Wildlife Sanctuary for donating their time and feeding the animals every day.
Update:
Jury trial on 05/08/09 found Glenda Wright guilty on all 17 counts of animal cruelty and one count of improper disposal. She was sentenced to one year on each count, however they must run concurrently for a total of 12 months.
Update:
The second week of June, Glenda Wright was given shock probation with the condition that she disperse the horses within 30 days. She can keep 5 horses either geldings or mares but cannot breed anything for 2 years.
Obviously this is a bad decision on the judge's part. Someone who is responsible for the death of 11 horses should not be allowed to continue to own any.
Were any stipulations made in regard to the dispersal of her horses?
Since this case was first made public ten foals have entered this world. Additional birth are expected as of June 17th, 2009.
Update 07/16/2009:
Glenda Wright appeared before the Judge today to discuss the dispersal of her horses. She conducted herself in an inappropriate manner and was returned to jail.
The number of horses on her property still exceed the number she was ordered to reduce her herd to by today's court appearance.
Update October 2009:
Glenda Wright was given several more opportunities to re-home her horses, but still hasn't done so. October 13th, at another court hearing, she filed a complaint against the lawyer who represented her earlier. The court appointed a new lawyer and has given her yet another continuance until October 27th.
In the meantime several foals were either stillborn or died shortly after birth and the stallions continue to run at large with the remaining horses.Update Thanksgiving 2009:
Glenda Wright's property was foreclosed on and sold to a local business man. The new owner wanted the horses removed fom his property. Since Glenda Wright did not comply, the county gave order to have the sheriff remove the animals and Glenda Wright was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
Now property of the county, the sheriff made arrangements to have them shippped to a local auction (run by a KY killbuyer/trader) to be run through on Saturday November 28, 2009.
After many phone calls and a final plea to the Judge Executive of Breckenridge County, we were able to have the horses signed over to Speak Up For Horses.
They have since arrived at our safe location in Northern Kentucky.
Thank you Judge Powers!
FOX19 Part 1
FOX19 Part 2
.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
HARLAN COUNTY, KY December 2008
Horses Found Neglected, Owners Arrested
Reporter: Jeff AllenEmail Address: mailto:jeff.allen@wymtnews.com?subject=Horses
Horses Found Neglected, Owners Arrested
Several horses are found neglected, others missing, and one even dead. It is a case of animal abuse in Harlan County that landed two people behind bars and several others are facing charges.
Members of the Harlan County Humane Society say they received a complaint on Christmas night that some horses in the Wallins Creek community were neglected. When they went to the property, they say they knew that had to take action.
The horses were living on a property on Camp Creek Road, but officials say it wasn't much of a home. "There was no hay, anything for these horses. They were in a small area and just fenced off. The only thing they did have was water. No shelter for any of these animals," said Marcella Chadwick, Harlan County Humane Society President.
"It's unbelievable, to see something like this, to see people let their animals starve like this," said Robert Duncan with the Harlan County Humane Society.
Humane society officials made a gruesome discovery when they found one horse already dead.
"It was laying out in the open in a culvert. They had laid some pine limbs over it, I guess to keep us from seeing it," Chadwick said.
On Monday, police arrested the animals' owners, Edwin and Diane Sullivan. They are the first arrests from a investigation by a humane society that's ramping up it's efforts.
"We're gonna do what we can do to make people pay for treating their animals this way," Chadwick said.
Three horses are missing, but officials believe they will be able to nurse most of the horses back to health. One of the five rescued may not survive.
"He was close to gone when we took him. I don't know if he's gonna pull through this or not. We're hoping and praying," Chadwick said.
Edwin and Diane Sullivan were arraigned on animal cruelty charges Tuesday but declined our request for an interview. Officials plan to charge several other people in the case.
Officials at the Harlan County Humane Society say they are in desperate need of food for the rescued horses.
To donate feed to the horses officials say were neglected in Harlan County, get in contact with the Home Federal Bank in Harlan. If you have information in the case, call Harlan County Humane Society President Marcella Chadwick at (606) 909-4781.
WYMT News
Kentucky.com
.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
EDMONSON COUNTY, KY AUGUST 2008
Horse Abuse Discovered in Edmonson County
Posted: 7:14 PM Sep 23, 2008
Kentucky is known as horse country.
It's the home of the Kentucky Derby, where some of the most beautiful horses in the world race every year.
But some say horse abuse in the state is becoming more common everyday.
One Caneyville woman says many horse owners simply don't want their animals anymore, and now they're going mistreated.
And she should know, she's caring for one.
Keila Edwards got a call a little more than a month ago about a horse named Copy, who she rescued after learning he had been neglected and abused by his owner in Edmonson County.
"He was a horse standing there with four bullet holes in his neck, skin stretched over his neck, and she said, 'You can't leave him, you've got to help him,'" Edwards explained. "This isn't her first rescue.
Edwards has done it with three horses before.
"I can't see them suffer or be mistreated, or being done this way."
But she says Copy's case is a crime that isn't getting justice.
"I've sent photos and contacted the sheriff's office, but no one's ever called me back and until this day no one's called me back," Edwards said.
One veterinarian says horse abuse is a problem that just keeps growing, especially in rural areas.
"Some of them and a lot of of them are young horses that people bought because they wanted to have a horse, but don't know what to do with it," explained Manuela Mattingly, owner of Twin Lakes Animal Hospital in Leitchfield.
"They can't afford to feed them because hay and fertilizer has went up," Edwards added. "Proper hay is $40 to $50 a roll and the horses aren't worth anything, so people think, 'Why should I feed this when I could be feeding cattle?'"
Edwards says Copy's life didn't start like this.
He's a Saddlebred that's taken awards.
"This horse used to be in a show ring. He's got saddlepoints. I was told an eight-year-old girl used to show him," Edwards said.
Now, Copy's just trying to regain strength to maybe one day return to his old self.
"The infection's going down. He's getting his energy back. He's actually feeling like a horse again."
Sheriff Mike Vincent, with the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, says the investigation regarding the previous owner of Copy, has been turned over to the Kentucky State Police.
.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
NELSON COUNTY, KY OCTOBER 2007
Thoroughbred Trainer Pleads Guilty to Cruelty Charges
.
by Blood-Horse Staff
Date Posted: 9/12/2008 2:39:01 PM
Last Updated: 9/13/2008 3:10:10 PM
A Kentucky-based trainer has pleaded guilty to 16 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals charges resulting from an October 2007 incident in Nelson County, Ky.
Joseph D. “J.D.” Crescini, who signed the guilty plea Sept. 9, faces a recommended sentence of one year in jail, with 11 months suspended, and court costs. His sentencing in Nelson County District Court is scheduled for Oct. 21.
The charges stemmed from an Oct. 12, 2007 investigation by Nelson County Animal Control and local law authorities, who claim they found two dead horses and 12 “severely” undernourished horses – most believed to be Thoroughbreds -- at a property on Plum Run Road.
Crescini claimed to own the horses, according to a Nelson County Sheriff Department report, but denied they were neglected.
The report claims Crescini told deputies Thoroughbreds are “supposed to be skinny,” and that they “used to be on steroids, and now that they aren’t, they are withering away.”
When contacted by telephone Sept. 12, Crescini declined comment to The Blood-Horse.
Attempts to reach county attorneys affiliated with the case weren’t immediately successful.
Of the two horses found dead, one was found in a stall, and another outside the stall. The sheriff’s report said both appeared “to have been there awhile, and the second one had lime put on it.”
It is believed Crescini has been training in and around the Midwest since the early 1970s. Since 1980, Crescini is credited with 29 wins in 293 career starts, including one win in 18 starts in 2008, according to equinline.com.
Bloodhorse
.
by Blood-Horse Staff
Date Posted: 9/12/2008 2:39:01 PM
Last Updated: 9/13/2008 3:10:10 PM
A Kentucky-based trainer has pleaded guilty to 16 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals charges resulting from an October 2007 incident in Nelson County, Ky.
Joseph D. “J.D.” Crescini, who signed the guilty plea Sept. 9, faces a recommended sentence of one year in jail, with 11 months suspended, and court costs. His sentencing in Nelson County District Court is scheduled for Oct. 21.
The charges stemmed from an Oct. 12, 2007 investigation by Nelson County Animal Control and local law authorities, who claim they found two dead horses and 12 “severely” undernourished horses – most believed to be Thoroughbreds -- at a property on Plum Run Road.
Crescini claimed to own the horses, according to a Nelson County Sheriff Department report, but denied they were neglected.
The report claims Crescini told deputies Thoroughbreds are “supposed to be skinny,” and that they “used to be on steroids, and now that they aren’t, they are withering away.”
When contacted by telephone Sept. 12, Crescini declined comment to The Blood-Horse.
Attempts to reach county attorneys affiliated with the case weren’t immediately successful.
Of the two horses found dead, one was found in a stall, and another outside the stall. The sheriff’s report said both appeared “to have been there awhile, and the second one had lime put on it.”
It is believed Crescini has been training in and around the Midwest since the early 1970s. Since 1980, Crescini is credited with 29 wins in 293 career starts, including one win in 18 starts in 2008, according to equinline.com.
Bloodhorse
.
UPDATE:
On October 3rd, 2008 the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission ruled a two year suspension of J.D. Crescini's trainer's license.
On October 8th, 2008 J.D. Crescini appealed the decision.
.
.
Friday, September 12, 2008
KNOX COUNTY, KY SEPTEMBER 2008
Neglected Dogs, Horses Found At Eastern Kentucky Home
Posted: 3:43 PM Sep 11, 2008
Neglected Animals Found At Home
They call it one of the worse cases of animal cruelty they've ever seen.
Animal control officials found several dogs and horses, some dead, others barely alive, outside a home.
The two people who live there now face several charges.
The gruesome discovery was made earlier this week at a home in the Jarvis community of Knox County.
While officials found several animals who were starving, they also found several dogs and horses who had already died.
The animals' remains were scattered throughout the property.
Many of the surviving animals had been tied up and were not able to get away.
24-year-old Earl Enlow and 22-year-old Melanie Rogers together face a total of 17 charges of animal cruelty.
Both have since bonded out of jail and have pleaded not guilty.
The animals taken from the property are now in the care of the Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter.
WKYT
.
Posted: 3:43 PM Sep 11, 2008
Neglected Animals Found At Home
They call it one of the worse cases of animal cruelty they've ever seen.
Animal control officials found several dogs and horses, some dead, others barely alive, outside a home.
The two people who live there now face several charges.
The gruesome discovery was made earlier this week at a home in the Jarvis community of Knox County.
While officials found several animals who were starving, they also found several dogs and horses who had already died.
The animals' remains were scattered throughout the property.
Many of the surviving animals had been tied up and were not able to get away.
24-year-old Earl Enlow and 22-year-old Melanie Rogers together face a total of 17 charges of animal cruelty.
Both have since bonded out of jail and have pleaded not guilty.
The animals taken from the property are now in the care of the Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter.
WKYT
.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
LINCOLN COUNTY, KY MARCH 2008
.
Starving Horses in Lincoln Co. on Road to Recovery
Posted: 4:49 PM Apr 7,
They were found barely alive on a Lincoln County farm.
But two weeks later, some once starving horses are doing much better.
Their owner said he couldn't feed them because he didn't have enough hay or money.
The horses have found new homes, and are well on the road to recovery.
It was a sad sight on a thoroughbred farm in Lincoln County two weeks ago.
There were 70 horses on one farm and officials say 12 of them were starving.
The owner blamed the drought leaving him without hay and lack of resources.
He agreed to give the horses up instead of facing charges.
Last month they could barley stand. But after some donations of feed and hay, these thoroughbreds returned to their natural element.
"They were just running for the joy of running," said Cathy Mitchum, with the Lincoln Co. Humane Society.
"They're racing horses and that's just what they do. It was so wonderful to see that."
Many of the problems can't be blamed just on the weather.
But now people are donating both money and feed to nurse these horses back to health.
"They have a long way to go," said Mitchum. "It will be six months at least just to get these horses back to health and several months after that to get back to their real selves."
One horse had to be put down.
Some are still gimpy and others are suffering from rain rot, similar to mange on a dog.
But with plenty of food and medicine, all are expected to fully recover.
.
Starving Horses in Lincoln Co. on Road to Recovery
Posted: 4:49 PM Apr 7,
They were found barely alive on a Lincoln County farm.
But two weeks later, some once starving horses are doing much better.
Their owner said he couldn't feed them because he didn't have enough hay or money.
The horses have found new homes, and are well on the road to recovery.
It was a sad sight on a thoroughbred farm in Lincoln County two weeks ago.
There were 70 horses on one farm and officials say 12 of them were starving.
The owner blamed the drought leaving him without hay and lack of resources.
He agreed to give the horses up instead of facing charges.
Last month they could barley stand. But after some donations of feed and hay, these thoroughbreds returned to their natural element.
"They were just running for the joy of running," said Cathy Mitchum, with the Lincoln Co. Humane Society.
"They're racing horses and that's just what they do. It was so wonderful to see that."
Many of the problems can't be blamed just on the weather.
But now people are donating both money and feed to nurse these horses back to health.
"They have a long way to go," said Mitchum. "It will be six months at least just to get these horses back to health and several months after that to get back to their real selves."
One horse had to be put down.
Some are still gimpy and others are suffering from rain rot, similar to mange on a dog.
But with plenty of food and medicine, all are expected to fully recover.
.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)