Five horses, six cats seized Rye, NH (US) Incident Date: Sunday, Dec 3, 2006 County: Rockingham Local Map: available Disposition: Not Charged Person of Interest: Sheila Burns Kinville Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Case ID: 10513 Classification: Hoarding Animal: horse View more cases in NH (US) Login to Watch this Case

No charges have been filed in connection with five horses and five cats seized from a property in town.

In a press release, County Attorney James Reams announced that the Rockingham County Attorney's Office, working with the Rye Police Department, is reviewing an incident of possible animal neglect that resulted in the removal of a number of horses and cats from the residence of Sheila Kinville, 65, of 112 Grove Road, Rye, NH on Dec. 3.

Last week, the court awarded temporary custody of the animals to the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Abigail Smith, spokeswoman for the NHSPCA, said since there were no charges, the agency would not have released the owner's name.

"If the owner voluntarily relinquishes them, we would not pursue charges and that's where it ends," Smith said. "We do not release names because it's about the animals for us," Smith said.

Reams said he released the name because he saw no reason not to and it was creating confusion.

"There were reports (the owner) had a conviction and we were getting calls on that, so I figured, at least be straightforward with everyone," said Reams.

The NHSPCA was awarded 60-day custody and full authority to take any actions needed for the animals' care, up to and including euthanasia. Most are recovering nicely with the exception of one stallion, who has been at veterinarian's office since being removed from the property.

Smith said Kinville or family representatives can sign the animals over to the NHSPCA anytime during the 60 day period. If they do not, the case will return to court for a request for full ownership.

Reams said Kinville's family placed her in Portsmouth Regional Hospital the day the horses were seized. The owner is continuing to receiving treatment, but there was no information released about any medical condition.

"The Rye police hope to finish the investigation, and we will schedule a meeting as soon as possible to review and make decisions about the case within the next 14 days," said Reams.

Kinville was convicted by Portsmouth District Court of a misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals in 1999. The horses are the same as those involved in the first conviction. If charged, the second offense would be a felony, meaning the owner could get jail time, fines and could be ordered to never again own animals.

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References

	Sea Coast Online - Jan 11, 2007
	Union Leader - Jan 9, 2007

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