Horse and colt found dead, other animals malnourished
Bayou La Batre, AL (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Jul 5, 2011
County: Mobile
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 3 files available
Alleged: Ed Henson
Bayou La Batre Police call it a horrendous case of animal cruelty.
Seven animals were recovered from Ed Henson's property. Two of them were dead. Henson is now facing multiple charges.
Ed Henson is a self-described animal lover. Until yesterday, the Bayou La Batre man owned three horses, three goats and a donkey. Henson said they were all fed, and he took care of them.
So where did the seven counts of animal cruelty came from?
"That's what I don't know," said Henson.
Bayou La Batre police said they know. They said his animals are severely malnourished and were kept in this backyard with no grass or food.
Since the animals arrived at the Mobile SPCA shelter, employees said they haven't stopped eating. The horse brought to the SPCA is 300 to 400 pounds underweight and a donkey is 100 pounds underweight.
Police said two animals, a mare and her colt, were dead when they got to Henson's home. Bayou La Batre Police Chief John Joyner said the mare had been dead for at least a week.
Again, FOX10 asked Henson, "When people say you weren't taking care of your animals, what do you say?"
"They are a liar," answered Henson. "You can ask everybody in my neighborhood. I took care of my animals."
Police said it was someone from the neighborhood who tipped them off about the alleged cruelty and the odor. Chief Joyner said it's one of the worst cases he's seen.
"We see cruelty to dogs and stuff but nothing on this scale. This was horrendous," said Chief Joyner.
However, Henson said he loves animals and wants his back.
"I love my animals to death," said Henson.
For now, the animals are being kept at the Mobile SPCA. Later, they will be sent to Mississippi for further care.
Henson has been charged with 7 counts of animal cruelty. He faces up to 6 months in jail and a $3,000 fine for each count. References |
