Two horses, two goats neglected Ray, OH (US) Incident Date: Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 County: Vinton Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Charges: Misdemeanor Alleged: Donald R. Sharp

Case ID: 12485 Classification: Neglect / Abandonment Animal: horse, goat View more cases in OH (US) « Back to Search Results Login to Watch this Case

A Ray man surrendered to Vinton County sheriff's deputies Thursday and will now face a charge of animal cruelty.

Donald R. Sharp, 38, of 34060 Clark Road, was arrested after an investigation Wednesday by Dog Warden Sheila Brooks and the Vinton County Sheriff's Office.

"We had received complaints all summer long from residents about this incident," said Sheriff Dave Hickey.
Brooks arrived at the residence to investigate complaints of animal abuse and neglect. She requested assistance from the deputies when she found three horses and two goats in reportedly deplorable conditions.

"I was stunned when I arrived at the residence and saw the conditions of the animals," Hickey said.

Deputy Penny McCune, followed by Hickey and Sgt. Carolyn Brown, arrived on the scene and noticed two horses standing in about 4 inches to 6 inches of feces.

The animals didn't have any food or water in sight.

"We've been out there before, and it looked like the animals weren't being fed," said Hickey.

The animals at the residence were malnourished, and two goats were observed with no food or water.

A third horse was in need of medical attention.

Hickey consulted with County Prosecutor Tim Gleeson and the animals were taken into protective custody.

"This was a serious case," said Hickey.

There is a thin line between owners providing poor care for their livestock and a criminal case, officials said.

"Really, it isn't one thing. But not giving the animals obvious medical attention, like we noticed on one of the ponies ... " said Hickey.

Not providing food or water and a general appearance of malnourishment or lack of basic care can also lead to an animal cruelty investigation.

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References

Chilliocothe Gazette - Oct 20, 2007

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