HARRISON COUNTY, KY JUNE 2016

Harness Horse Electrocuted by Trainer
June 30th, 2016

Harrison County, Kentucky – Prosecutors are charging  Michael Neafus (Mikey) with level 6 felony animal abuse after witness’ saw him abusing a horse.  Mikey, who trains and drives harness racing horses, allegedly took 3-year-old Shares Desires out of her stall, tied her up, and repeatedly shocked her for up to 10 minutes at a time.  Shares Desires “went nuts” according to the witness.  Mikey would also shock Shares Desires in her stall.
Owner, Ronald Conrad, is particularly upset at Mikey’s behavior.  “I’ve known Mikey since he was a baby. His father and I, when Louisville Downs was racing, we had horses together,” Conrad told reporters.  “It’s puzzling to me, because I thought he was a real friend.”  Shares Desires has a special place in Conrad’s heart, she was with him the day his brother died.  “He had had a massive heart attack and died that day.  So, that’s why she’s special to me.”
Harrison County District Attorney is pressing for the fullest punishment allowed by law.  “Every time you have allegations of animal abuse it makes you want to cringe,” Harrison County Prosecutor Otto Schalk told reporters. “In Harrison County we take animal cruelty very seriously, whether you’re a dog owner or in this case a horse trainer, if you torturing or abusing a defenseless animal, we are coming after you.”  Mikey is free on a $2,000 bond and is expected in court today.  He faces 2 1/2 years in prison if convicted.
Shares Desires seems to be ok, despite being quite skittish for a few days.

News Of The Horse