5 horses neglected, 3 euthanized
Prichard, AL (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Feb 3, 2010
County: Mobile
Charges: Summary, Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged:
» Robert Cole, III
» Adult name undisclosed
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
A Prichard man is in jail charged with animal cruelty. Police say Robert Cole was arrested February 4, 2010.
On February 3, 2010, at approximately 10:20 a.m., Prichard Animal Control responded to the 4300 block of Woodruff Road in response to an animal neglect call. Upon their arrival on scene, they discovered five horses on the property, two of which were lying down inside their stables in poor health conditions. Animal Control than proceeded to contact the property owner and caretaker of the horses. Two of the horses were evaluated by a veterinarian who determined they had to be humanely euthanized due to malnourishment. Subsequently, a third horse died overnight, also due to a lack of food.
Cole is charged with 3 counts of Animal Cruelty. He will also be charged with three counts of failure to provide adequate food and water and three counts of failure to keep shelter clean, in accordance with the City’s ordinance. The same charges are also pending against the owner of the animals at this time.
The two additional horses on the property have been turned over to Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope, Alabama.
Case UpdatesBaby Doll and Sweet Pea are eating up a storm and being showered with love. It's a far cry from their previous living conditions.
"They just left their horses there. They've been roaming the neighborhoods just eating people's grass and plants, trying to get anything they can eat," Michelle Taylor said.
"I did everything I could trying to get those horses safe," Taylor added.
Prichard Animal Control responded to the home on Woodruff Road after concerned neighbors called about animal neglect.
"When officers arrived on scene they discovered five horses on the property. Two of which were lying down inside their stables in poor health conditions. Two of the horses were evaluated by a vet who determined they had to be euthanized due to lack of food. Also a third one died overnight Wednesday due to malnourishment," Latoya Veal with the City of Prichard said.
Caretaker Robert Cole III was arrested and faces numerous charges, including three counts of animal cruelty.
Only two horses were in fair condition. The survivors were taken to Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope. Barn Manager Lynne Powell is building up their strength.
"High protein, give them Senior which is easy for them to digest. A lot of hay, a lot of water. They have 20 acres to themselves, green grass and hay and they were running this morning. Their eyes were a little glazed over yesterday from being weak, but they were full of spirits and feeling great this morning," Powell said.
In time, they'll join the other 40 horses on the farm, but not before getting back to 100 percent.
"One's feet is really in a bad way," Powell added.
At least now the horses will have lots of TLC and live the rest of their lives in greener pastures.
In addition to animal cruelty charges, the caretaker is also facing three counts of failure to provide adequate food and water and three counts of failure to keep shelter clean. City officials said the property owner was out of town. He is actually the owner of the horses and will facing the same charges as well. | Source: FoxTv10 News - February 5, 2010
Update posted on Feb 6, 2010 - 6:54PM |
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