3 horses die in one of the worst animal cruelty cases in Hopkins Co.
Posted: Nov 26, 2012 5:43 PM EST Updated: Dec 03, 2012 5:43 PM EST
Three horses were found dead at a residence in
Hopkins County, and it's being called one worst cases of animal cruelty
in the county.
31-year-old Daniel Carter of Dawson Springs has
pleaded guilty to six counts of animal cruelty in the case. He'll serve
20 days in jail.
Authorities say Carter neglected dozens of animals on his property, all the way from six horses to a wide range of farm animals.About a year ago, the humane society says they started receiving calls about possible animal neglect at the Carter's home on Nortonville Road in Dawsons Springs. Humane Society Director Charles Gentry says Carter and his wife told them they were an running an animal rescue operation.
"We tried to give them as much time and opportunity to show us that is truly what they were doing. They had several animals that were in poor condition but they indicated to us they received them in that condition," Gentry said.
Over time, Gentry says the condition of the animals worsened.
"We came to realize that it was just blatant neglect," Gentry said.
Officials found three horses had died under Carter's care. They seized the remaining three, but Gentry says they weren't much better.
"Body condition scores of around a two and that's two out of 10. One being probably going to die any second," Gentry said.
Officials say they also found other animals including dogs, pigs, and peacocks on Carter's property.
"We were able to seize all of those animals and obviously protect other animals besides just these horses because they were in the care and custody of irresponsible animal owners," said Hopkins County Attorney Todd P'Pool.
Daniel Carter will serve about three weeks in jail. Both he and his wife are now on probation and aren't allowed to own any animals for two years.
"If you own animals in Hopkins County and you fail to properly take care of them, you will face jail time," P'Pool said.
Carter's jail sentence begins on January 2nd.
As for all those rescued animals, the humane society says they're receiving care at local foster homes and he hopes to put them up for adoption soon.
