Case Snapshot
Case ID: 15741
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: dog (non pit-bull), horse
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Attorneys/Judges
Prosecutor(s): Diana Wheeler
Defense(s): Douglas Mackall
Judge(s): Edward Carpenter


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Thursday, Aug 6, 2009

County: Orange

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Dismissed
Case Images: 1 files available

Person of Interest: Nancy Sorrell Mackall

Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

Orange County authorities have seized a herd of horses and three dogs from the property of Mine Run resident Nancy Sorrell Mackall after being alerted that the horses were malnourished, and that a number of horses had died and their carcasses were lying in the field.

According to Orange County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tim Murphy, after a neighbor reported concern for animals on Mackall’s property, animal control officers arrived at the farm to discover a grisly scene. Murphy said there were a total of 20 horses on the farm. While 10 of those horses were “in fair condition,“ turned out on pasture with access to water and adequate grazing, another 10 “were in dire need of assistance.“

In addition, Murphy said animal control officers discovered dogs which had been confined to crates without care, and a horse that had been confined inside a gooseneck trailer.

“The evidence was that he’d been in there quite a while,“ Murphy said.

Disturbingly, Murphy said authorities found 20 dead horses on Mackall’s property in “various states of decomposition.“

Mackall was in Orange County General District Court Aug. 12 for a civil proceeding related to the animals seized from her property. In court Wednesday, Orange County Commonwealth’s Attorney Diana Wheeler said animal control officers seized 10 horses and three dogs from the property.

Mackall also faces 20 counts of failing to bury or cremate animals, and 10 counts of animal cruelty. Both offenses are misdemeanors. If found guilty, Nancy Mackall could face steep fines and even jail time. She is due in court Aug. 21 for a hearing.

Mackall, who is being represented by her uncle, Fairfax attorney Douglas Mackall, told General District Court Judge Edward Carpenter that as part of his client’s agreement with the commonwealth’s attorney, ownership of all of the horses and likewise two of the three dogs, would be permanently surrendered. Per the agreement, custody must be relinquished within 45 days and Mackall is forbidden to own animals-apart from one of the dogs-for two years.

“We’re just going to get rid of those horses except for one,“ Douglas Mackall said in court. Douglas Mackall will become legal owner of one of the horses that belonged to his niece prior to the seizure. Nancy Mackall is responsible for reimbursing the sheriff’s office for veterinary, transportation and boarding expenses on the seized animals.

“The horses that were seized will remain in our custody,“ Orange County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officer Patricia Dahl explained.

Currently, one horse is being cared for at the Orange County Animal Shelter; the rest of those seized by animal control are in foster homes, until permanent suitable homes can be found.


Case Updates

An Orange County woman accused this summer of cruelty to horses has died. Nancy S. Mackall, 55, died in an Arlington hospice Nov. 3, according to an obituary Nov. 6 in the Washington Post. She was buried Saturday in McLean.

Mackall was scheduled for trial in Orange County General District Court Nov. 20 to face 10 counts of animal cruelty and 20 counts of failure to properly dispose of animal corpses. The case arose Aug. 6 when a neighbor alerted county authorities to questionable conditions on Mackall’s Mine Run farm.

According to law enforcement officers, several emaciated and dead horses â€" some of them not buried â€" were found on the property. Ten other horses, described by authorities as being in fair condition, were also on the farm.

Under an agreement reached Aug. 21, Mackall surrendered custody of the healthy horses to Culpeper farmer and businessman Gardiner Mulford. Volunteers also assisted in caring for animals removed from the farm.

Although the state’s Web-based court information system shows the case as pending, Orange County Commonwealth’s Attorney Diana Wheeler said it will be dismissed next week.

Mackall at one time operated a retirement farm in which polo ponies were supposed to live out their days in peace and safety. However, friends and family members told the Star-Exponent and other media outlets this summer that Mackall had stepped back from that role in recent years in order to deal with health and family-related issues.
Source: Culpeper Star Exponent - Nov 12, 2009
Update posted on Nov 13, 2009 - 4:24PM 
A trial date is set for October 16 for a woman charged in an animal abuse case in Orange County. Nancy Mackall had her first apperance in Orange County court Friday morning.

Mackall was charged after animal control officers seized 20 horses and three dogs Langley Farm in Mine Run on August 6. Animal control officers said the horses were at the lowerst level of emaciation. They also found 20 decomposing horse carcasses at the property.

Mackall told investigators that she could not care for the horses because of her health condition. Neighbors and people involved with the case also said her ongoing health issues likely contributed to the neglect, but animal control officers said the starvation did not happen overnight.

"These horses were deprived of necessary food and water for a very long period of time," said Orange County Animal Control Officer Patricia Dahl to NBC29's Liz Nagy last week.

Friday morning, Mackall left court with her lawyer and didn't say a word to more than a dozen people who turned out to speak against her.

"I do know that sometimes people in rescue do start off very enthusiastic about rescuing, and they morph into hoarders and people who abuse the animals. Beyond the cycle of logical reason," said animal rights activist Laurel Olson.

Mackall will stand trial on 30 ciminal charges on October 16.
Source: NBC 29 - Aug 21, 2009
Update posted on Aug 23, 2009 - 6:47PM 

References

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