Attorneys/Judges
| Prosecutor(s): | Lisa Crane |
26 horses neglected, 4 euthanized
Lucerne Valley, CA (US)Incident Date: Friday, Feb 13, 2009
County: San Bernardino
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: Elizabeth June Hart-Lawson
A Lucerne Valley woman accused of abusing 26 horses, four of which had to be euthanized, has pleaded guilty at Victorville Superior Court.
Elizabeth June Hart-Lawson, 51, pleaded guilty to one felony count of animal cruelty on Friday. She had initially been charged with 26 counts of the same felony. She's expected to be sentenced Dec. 9 to 270 consecutive days in jail followed by three years probation.
San Bernardino County Animal Control discovered malnourished and neglected horses on Hart-Lawson's property in February 2009 when it responded to her request for a dog trap, Deputy District Attorney Lisa Crane said. The officials told her to correct the situation at least four times, Crane said, but she failed to do so after six months. Animal Control seized 22 horses and euthanized four. Hart-Lawson was arrested in September 2009.
According to the plea agreement, Hart-Lawson has to forfeit all of her animals and is not allowed to control or possess any animals during her probation. She agreed to pay restitution for all medical, relocation and placement bills for the horses. References« CA State Animal Cruelty Map
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