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Case #544 Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Neglect of 18 horses
Elberton, GA (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Jan 9, 2003
County: Elbert
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 6 files available
Defendants/Suspects:
» Richard McRae
» Christine M. McRae
Case Updates: 3 update(s) available
The Elbert County couple accused of animal neglect are disputing charges that they failed to feed and properly care for their horses, which have been removed from the couple's custody.
Richard and Christine McRae face felony animal cruelty charges after law enforcement officials found 18 severely malnourished animals on the couple's Elbert County farm. The horses were seized over the weekend by law enforcement officials and relocated to a critical care facility for animals in DeKalb County.
Tommy Irvin, agriculture commissioner for the state, said one horse was found dead at the farm and another had to be euthanized.
The family told Channel 2 Action News that they properly cared for the horses and they said they plan to vigorously dispute the allegations.
The animals' owners told officials that someone placed acid in their drinking water, but state officials said the horses were victims of abuse and neglect.
Case UpdatesSuperior Court Judge Lindsay Tice sentenced Richard and Christine McRae each to serve six months in prison, pay $2,000 in fines and be on probation for 18 and one-half years during which they cannot own any horses or livestock.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture impounded 17 horses from the McRaes in January 2003. One horse was found dead on the property and one had to be euthanized because of its poor condition. Prior to sentencing, the McRaes turned the horses over to the department. They will be sold at auction in the near future. "Now they will go to safe, loving homes," said Commissioner Irvin.
Read More: http://www.theweekly.com/news/2004/April/14/animal_cruelty.html | | Update posted on Apr 19, 2004 - 8:20PM |
The McRaes' attorney, Jeff Rothman, said the horses suffered because of his clients' ignorance, not their neglect. The McRaes, who were also convicted last month of improperly disposing a carcass, face about $2,000 in fines along with their jail time.
"They loved those horses. They just messed up," Rothman said.
The McRaes will forfeit their horses to the state. Lavender said the state can sell the horses for about $50,000, which will be used to recoup the agriculture department's $70,000 in holding and veterinary expenses.
Read more: Access North Georgia | | Update posted on Apr 14, 2004 - 10:18AM |
The McRaes were convicted of animal cruelty this week, after a four-day jury trial in Elbert County Superior Court. The judge ordered a pre-sentence investigation, according to District Attorney Bob Lavender, and will sentence the couple at a later date.
The owners and the agriculture department haven't reached an agreement about who will keep the horses, according to the department, and they remain in the care of the state for now.
The physical care of impounded animals is handled by volunteer horse rescue clubs that are assisted by state staff, according to Irvin.
Read More: OnlineAthens.Com | | Update posted on Feb 26, 2004 - 10:15AM |
References« GA State Animal Cruelty Map
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