14 neglected horses seized from farm Griswold, CT (US) Incident Date: Wednesday, Dec 14, 2005 County: New London Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: Swen Rowley Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Case ID: 6571 Classification: Neglect / Abandonment Animal: horse View more cases in CT (US) Login to Watch this Case

State animal control officers and state police seized 14 horses from a stable on Chinigo Road December 14, 2005, saying the owner may face cruelty to animal charges.

The seizure comes after a four-month long investigation into alleged animal neglect by Swen Rowley of Stable Down Under at 5 Chinigo Road, that state Department of Agriculture animal control officers began Aug. 8, 2005.

The investigation began when state officials acted on a tip from a concerned citizen. During the investigation, state officials discovered the animals were not receiving adequate food, water and veterinary care. �The concerned individual had seen the animals and called the department with their concerns,� said Wayne Kasacek, a spokesman with the state Department of Agriculture.

In a press release issued December 14, 2005, the department said it may seek charges of animal cruelty against Rowley.

�The department attempted to work with Mr. Rowley, and he was given ample opportunity to improve the condition of the horses and the stable. The department reached the conclusion the animals were at substantial risk and acted to protect the health and welfare of these animals,� Commissioner of Agriculture F. Philip Prelli said in the press release.

The seized animals were taken to �Second Chance,� the department�s animal rescue facility on the grounds of the Gates Correctional Facility in Niantic. They are being examined and cared for by a veterinarian, the press release said. The horses were found to be underweight, lacked sufficient water and their hooves had not been properly cared for, according to the press release. One horse had been �limping badly.� The stable also was found to be in poor condition with an �excessive buildup of manure, and exposed nails,� which posed a safety hazard, the department states.

If the department can get custody of the horses, they will be auctioned off, Kasacek said. Kasacek says the situation is still under investigation.

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References

Norwich Bulletin - December 15, 2005

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