A man who owned 36 dogs, exotic birds and reptiles must pay $350 in fines and complete 15 hours of community service for taking poor care of his pets.
Ken A. Horner, 39, pleaded guilty March 7, 2003 to failure to perform ownership duties, keeping more than four adult dogs and two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. In accepting a plea agreement, General District Judge Norman A. Thomas suspended a 10-day jail sentence and $5,200 in fines.
On Oct. 23, humane officers seized 11 dogs, 22 birds, two snakes and a lizard from Horner's home after responding to a neighbor's complaint.
The officers found pet feces in the home and detected a strong smell that left them lightheaded. Humane officials previously said some of the birds appeared to be thin.
On Friday, Horner said he was unfamiliar with the city ordinance that limited him to having four dogs. He said he cared for his animals and fed them properly.
Horner will not be able to own more than one animal in the city for the next two years, according to the plea agreement.
His 10-month-old bulldog, Sophie, was returned to him two days after the others were taken. The other animals will be put up for adoption. Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
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