35 malnourished ponies seized Winston-salem, NC (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Jul 7, 2011 County: Forsyth
Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA Disposition: Alleged Case Images: 5 files available
Alleged: Renan L. Carter
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
The owner of starving ponies seized from his farm on Thursday has been charged with 35 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and one felony count, said Forsyth County Animal Control Director Tim Jennings.
Renan L. Carter, 66, accompanied by his attorneys, turned himself in late Friday to face the charges at the magistrate's office and was released after posting bond set at $80,000.
Carter's first court appearance will be on July 29.
Jennings said the 35 ponies seized from Carter are doing fine at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds, where they have been under a veterinarian's care.
"We are moving some into foster care (today) and the others will be out by Monday or Tuesday," Jennings said. "They are doing well. We are pleased with all the volunteers coming together and helping."
Forsyth County animal-control officers removed the Hackney ponies from Carter's farm, Renn-Brook Farm at 400 Everidge Road after they were found to be "extremely emaciated," according to officers.
One pony died before the others were taken from the farm. The misdemeanor charges relate to the 35 malnourished ponies, while the felony count relates to the pony that died.
Negligence for the mistreatment or neglect of animals in North Carolina is a misdemeanor. However, because of a change in state law last year, a charge of "severe negligence" is now a felony.
Six ponies were found to be healthy enough to stay on the farm. Carter will have to post a bond of $628 per pony to keep them, Jennings said. That amount is based on the cost of caring for each of the ponies for a month.
Animal-control officials plan to put the 35 ponies into foster care as soon as they are brought to good health. The department works with many rescue organizations across the state, including the .
According to the American Hackney Horse Society, the Hackney pony is known for its gentle disposition, ease of care and dynamic trot in the ring.
Case UpdatesTwo more hackney ponies have died after being seized from a Winston-Salem farm last week.
Forsyth County Animal Control Director Tim Jennings said vets caring to 35 ponies seized from Renn-Brook Farms last week recommended to Jennings said the vets determined the horses were in extremely weakened conditions.
One of the ponies was euthanized on Sunday after a vet said it was not responding to treatments. The other pony was euthanized on Tuesday after emergency measures to stabilize her did not work.
It brings the total number of dead horses to three during Animal Control's investigation of the condition of ponies at the farm, owned by Renan Carter. He faces one count of felony animal cruelty based on the first death, along with 35 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty.
It will be up to the district attorney to determine if he will face additional charges. | Source: myfox8.com - Jul 14, 2011 Update posted on Jul 14, 2011 - 10:58PM |
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