Hoarding - 5 horses, 3 cats seized
Rye, NH (US)Incident Date: Friday, Dec 8, 2006
County: Rockingham
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available
Abuser names unreleased
New Hampshire SPCA spokeswoman Abigail Smith said she wants second-offense charges filed against the owner of five horses and three cats seized by the organization on allegations of neglect.
She also wants restitution for the high cost of caring for and rehabilitating the animals.
The animals, seized by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals from a home in Rye, are being held at the Stratham facility. Smith said the organization is out looking for more cats because Rye police think there are at least a dozen on the property.
"Our first step is to file a civil motion to get ownership," she said. "Given the circumstances, we're hoping it's likely. Then it's up to police to proceed from there."
Smith said the woman involved, who she would not identify, was found guilty in Portsmouth District Court of a misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals in 1999.
The animals arrived in horrific condition, she said, and one horse needed surgery at a local animal hospital but is expected to live.
The horses are significantly underweight and require substantial work on their feet.
"The horses will be OK," said Smith. "They are the same horses from the first conviction. She was given two years probation, but after that we couldn't go on the property. This has been a chronic problem since 1997, so I really hope police move forward."
Smith said the second charge would be a felony, meaning the woman could be sentenced to jail time and subject to fines, and could be ordered to never again own animals.
"We're looking at $60,000 and up to rehabilitate the horses, and that's not even counting the stallion's surgery," she said. "At a 12-month minimum to feed them, that's about $1,000 per horse per month."
The three cats arrived in rough shape, according to Smith.
"One is feral, impossible to handle," she said. "Feral cats can usually be rehabilitated with foster care. It's not attacking; it just has no social skills"
All three have roundworms, a sign of neglect and a lack of veterinary care.
"One was so disgusting looking you couldn't imagine," said Smith. "It had severe diarrhea and was completely matted in her own stuff, and the third is the sweetest cat you'll ever meet.
"After all the cats found are healthy, spayed and neutered, and temperament tested, they will be available for adoption.
Smith said people are coming forward to help and police are raising money. On Thursday morning, a person drove up with a truckload of fresh hay and several pounds of grain.
The investigation into the case is still under way.
Rye Police Chief Kevin Walsh said SPCA investigator Steve Sprowl got the information on the horses and is evaluating the case.
"At some point, we will get our prosecutor, Robert Ducharme, to work with him and with the Rockingham County Attorney's Office because the charges are a felony," said Walsh. "We will decide whether or not the case moves forward."
HOW TO HELP
The New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is seeking financial support to provide necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation to the horses. Donations may be made to the SOS Fund via the society's Web site, nhspca.org, by phone at 772-2921, or by mail to the SOS Fund, P.O. Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885. References« NH State Animal Cruelty Map
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