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Case #4808 Rating: 3.8 out of 5
Farmed animal neglect - 4 calves found dead
Lampeter, PA (US)Incident Date: Monday, Jan 31, 2005
County: Lancaster
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: John M Harnish
A farmer accused of letting four calves die without getting them medical treatment was sentenced to four days in prison on animal cruelty charges.
John M. Harnish, 70, had pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty to avoid a hearing on the charges brought by a Humane Society police officer who visited his farm in West Lampeter Township in February. But Harnish said he may appeal, calling the jail sentence imposed Tuesday "ridiculous."
According to court documents, the investigators found four dead calves and a sick heifer that was frozen to the ground, which Harnish killed after the investigators left. Investigators said several cows suffered laminitis, a chronic foot disease caused by nutritional problems.
"It's an ugly situation and he should get out of the business," said District Judge Maynard A. Hamilton Jr.. He sentenced Harnish to four days in the Lancaster County Prison, to be served on four successive Saturdays.
"He will serve one day for each calf that died," Hamilton said. "It's ridiculous to let animals die like that.
References« PA State Animal Cruelty Map
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