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JURY RECOMMENDS 2-YEAR JAIL TERM FOR WOMAN IN ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE IN VIRGINIA
August 12, 2010
Richmond, Virginia. A Circuit Court jury in Prince Edward County, Virginia found Michelle C. Artese of Prospect, Virginia guilty today of 6 counts of animal cruelty and recommended a 24-month jail term and fines totaling $11,000 in the death of one horse and neglect and starvation of 5 other horses.
Artese was originally convicted on the 6 counts in Prince Edward County District Court on September 18, 2009. Animal Control, assisted by the United States Equine Rescue League, seized 10 horses on a property rented by Artese on February 3, 2009 after one horse was found dead on the property and the remaining 10 were in various stages of neglect and starvation. Artese appealed her conviction to Circuit Court and requested a jury trial.
All ten of horses were turned over to the United States Equine Rescue League after the judge awarded the horses in March 2009 to the county. Nine of the horses have been rehabilitated and are now in good health. One of the most severely starved horses, a young colt, was humanely euthanized after he was unable to recover from the neglect he suffered.
Formal sentencing is scheduled for October 14, 2010 in Prince Edward County Circuit Court, Farmville, Virginia.
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10 Emaciated Horses Surrendered in Charles City County, Virginia
July 29, 2010
Richmond, VA –
Ten horses were surrendered to Charles City County officials yesterday after the emaciated horses were discovered on a property the evening before near Old Union Road in Charles City County. Upon notification from the United States Equine Rescue League concerning a tip received from a concerned citizen, Charles City County Animal Control and along with the United States Equine Rescue League volunteers investigated the complaint immediately. The horses, now in the permanent custody of the United States Equine Rescue League, have been placed on a carefully monitored rehabilitation program, including proper nutrition for the age and condition of the horse, veterinary and farrier care. It is expected to take up to 12 months for all of the horses to regain their health.
The matter is still under investigation by Charles City County officials and charges are pending against the owner.
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33 Horses seized in King and Queen County, Virginia
July 16, 2010
Richmond, VA –
The King and Queen County Sheriff's Office, with the assistance of the United States Equine Rescue League, Virginia Animal Control Association Task Force, Hanover County Animal Control, King William Sheriff's Department, Virginia State Police, and Orange County Sheriff's Department, conducted a search warrant at the farm of Elizabeth Newsome Amos and Robert Amos, 5172 Powcan Road in Bruington, Virginia on June 29, 2010 and removed 33 horses from the property. Three equine veterinarians were also on the property to examine the horses. The 33 horses, in various stages of neglect and starvation, were transported by volunteers of the United States Equine Rescue League to undisclosed rehabilitation facilities and foster homes.
Concerns were reported to the King and Queen County Sheriff's office in regards to animal cruelty, unsanitary conditions, lack of adequate food and water sources, lack of medical care, lack of farrier care, lack of general care and improper disposal of remains.
On July 8, in a plea bargain agreed to minutes prior to the seizure hearing in King and Queen County General District Court, the owners agreed to surrender the 33 horses, pay $15,000 restitution in monthly payments to the USERL for the first 10 days of care, no future ownership of horses and to sell or surrender the 20 remaining horses with the new owners approved by the Sheriff's Department. King and Queen County officials and the USERL are pleased with this result.
The 33 horses, now in the permanent custody of the United States Equine Rescue League, have been placed on a carefully monitored rehabilitation program, including proper nutrition for the age and condition of the horse, veterinary and farrier care.
The matter is still under investigation by the Sheriff's office and charges are pending against the owners, awaiting veterinarian reports and lab results.
Newly appointed King and Queen Sheriff, John Charboneau, stated, "The Sheriff's Department takes the complaint of animal cruelty as seriously as a complaint of human cruelty." Susan White, Regional Director of the United States Equine Rescue League, stated "this was a huge undertaking for all involved due to the large number of horses on the property. It is expected it will take up to 12 months or more for all of the horses to regain their health."
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Hanover County, VA Woman Convicted on 11 Counts of Animal Cruelty
May 21, 2010
Richmond, VA –
A Hanover County woman was convicted yesterday on eleven counts of animal cruelty after one horse was found dead on the property and ten others were found suffering from neglect and starvation. The horses, located in western Hanover County, were seized January 12, 2010 by Hanover County Animal Control assisted by volunteers from the United States Equine Rescue League. Hale had failed to follow care and feeding recommendations given her by a local veterinarian and Hanover County Animal Control on a previous visit. Besides starvation, the horses suffered from lice, skin infections, open sores, severely long hooves and most were encrusted with feces.
Calling the case a perfect definition of animal cruelty, General District Court Judge, The Honorable Peter L. Trible, admonished the owner, Karyn Hale of Mechanicsville, for neglecting and starving the horses. He sentenced Hale to 110 days active jail time. Hale was also ordered not to own or care for any horses or other livestock for 24 months and after that time can approach the court for permission. She also lost ownership of the 9 horses owned by her. The 10th horse, boarded by Hale, was returned to its owner a few weeks after seizure.
The nine horses are still being cared for and rehabilitated by the United States Equine Rescue League in the Richmond area. It is expected the horses will be released into the permanent custody of the USERL within the next several days.
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10 Horses Seized in Hanover County, Virginia - one horse dead
March 8, 2010
Richmond, VA –
Animal Control authorities in Hanover County, Virginia, assisted by the United States Equine Rescue League, seized 10 horses on January 12, 2010 when the owner, Karyn Hale, did not comply with recommendations given to her by a veterinarian and the county to properly take care of her horses. One of the horses that was initially being investigated was found buried on the property when authorities went back to check on the horses.
Most of the horses were extremely emaciated and weak, covered in feces and "rain rot". They are being safehoused in undisclosed USERL barns in the Richmond area where they have been placed on a rehabiltiation program designed for each horse and are receiving necessary veterinarian and farrier care.
Karyn Hale of Mechanicsville, Virginia has been charged with 11 counts of animal cruelty and faces a possible year in jail and a $2,500 fine for each count.
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Virginia Approves Amendment to Animal Cruelty Laws
February 23, 2010
Richmond, VA –
The Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee yesterday approved a bill that would increase the penalties for animal cruelty.
House Bill 281, sponsored by Del. David B. Albo, R-Fairfax, would crack down on owners who fail to provide enough water, food, shelter and veterinary care.
Albo's bill, as originally written, would have raised the penalty for first-time violations of the law from a Class 4 misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $250, to a Class 2 misdemeanor, which carries up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
The committee amended the bill to have the increased penalty take effect upon the second offense.
Senators on the committee also approved legislation that would allow the state Board of Game and Inland Fisheries to establish rules governing the feeding of wild game and fur-bearing animals. Currently, the board has regulations governing only hunting, trapping, killing, ownership, sale and transportation of wild birds, animals and fish.
House Bill 487, sponsored by Del. L. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Prince William, said the board could impose penalties for feeding wildlife that "results in property damage, endangers any person, or creates a public health concern."
Both bills now head to the full Senate for consideration
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Writer and USERL Come Together to Help Horses
September 13, 2009
Richmond, VA –
Susan White, Regional Director of the United States Equine Rescue League announced today that writer and natural horsemanship instructor, Steve Edwards will donate a portion of the proceeds of his book, "And a Little Child Shall Lead Them: Learning from Wild Horses and Young Children" for books purchased through that Rescue League. Edwards, owner of Mill Swamp Indian Horses, developed a unique program to teach natural horsemanship to children as young as five years old. The program not only teaches riding, but also focuses on the humane gentling and training of young and wild horses. According to Edwards, some of his students were able to safely train a horse before they were old enough to drive a car.
In recent years he has taken on several adult students, most with absolutely no experience with horses, and has found that they learn nearly as fast as do the children. In addition to several wild western mustangs, and nearly a dozen wild Corolla Spanish mustangs from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, he currently has two young mustangs that he accepted from the USERL. He is spear heading the effort to raise Corolla mustangs in captivity to prevent their possible extinction, a project which gained him national recognition as a "Keeper of the Flame" by the America Indian Horse Registry.
Edwards and his "little riders" have presented clinics on wild horse training in Virginia, North Carolina, and Delaware where he spreads his belief that novices can learn to safely handle horses through the proper application of natural horsemanship. "The solution to 'unwanted' horses is to create more riders and that means bringing in non- traditional horse owners."
"Steve Edwards' book gave me the courage to work with my wild mustang, Annie, though I have only had a little horse experience. The book was an easy one to understand, and Steve doesn't rely on a lot of jargon like other up and coming Natural Horsemen. I am delighted that Steve is willing to help the USERL this way," said Victoria Pinner, a volunteer for the USERL.
The United States Equine Rescue League (USERL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the compassionate care of equines. Its' mission is to save, protect, and rehabilitate equines in need. USERL rescues abused, neglected, or abandoned equines; provides them with care and rehabilitation; and finally finds them a compatible, loving home. USERL believes that education is the long-term solution to improving the lives of equines.
Edwards book costs $13.95, plus $4.00 shipping and can be ordered through the USERL at
USERL
P.O Box 28378
Richmond, VA 23228
Make checks payable to Steve Edwards. Include your name and a clear address, so that the book can be sent directly to you.
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9 HORSES AND MANY OTHER ANIMALS SEIZED IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY, VIRGINIA
April 22, 2009
Richmond, VA –
Investigators and volunteers from the United States Equine Rescue League assisted Gloucester County Animal Control in the seizure of eight horses Monday from a property in Hayes, Virginia after one horse seized weeks earlier was found to have suffered a severe leg injury. Allegedly, the horse’s owner refused to obtain proper veterinary treatment for the horse’s injury that was most likely caused by one or more of the dangerous objects that littered the property.
Several of the horses seized yesterday were underweight and all were taken to an undisclosed USERL rehabilitation barn in the Richmond area where they will receive proper nutrition, veterinary and farrier care.
All other animals on the property, including dogs, chickens, roosters, doves, pigeons, cows and a steer, most living in unsafe and filthy conditions, were also removed from the property and are being housed by the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society and a local farm.
Charges are pending against the owner, Robert Warden.
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Horse Owner Charged with 6 Counts of Animal Cruelty
March 22, 2009
Richmond, VA –
A Prince Edward County woman was charged on Friday with six counts of animal cruelty after one horse was found dead on the property and ten others were found suffering from neglect and starvation. The ten horses located near Prospect, Virginia, were seized February 3, 2009, by Prince Edward County Animal Control officers assisted by volunteers from the United States Equine Rescue League. The owner, Michele Artese, will be arraigned on six counts of animal cruelty for the one dead horse and five others that were found severely malnourished.
The horses, awarded to the United States Equine Rescue League in the Richmond area, are receiving the necessary care to regain their health which is expected to take several months.
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10 Emaciated Horses Seized in Prince Edward County
February 4, 2009
Ten emaciated horses were seized last night from a location near Prospect, Virginia after a concerned citizen reported seeing a dead horse on the property. When Prince Edward Animal Control officers arrived at the location they found 10 other horses in very poor condition.
"We are seeing more and more cases like this. I believe it is partly due to the economy, but also because private citizens are reporting these incidents to the authorities more frequently," said Susan White, Regional Director of the USERL in Richmond. "We could not operate without our volunteers and donors and for that I am very thankful."
United States Equine Rescue League (USERL) investigators and volunteers from the Richmond region assisted Prince Edward County Animal Control in the seizure and transport of the horses from the property. The horses are being housed by the USERL at an undisclosed location where they will receive necessary veterinary care and be placed on a careful rehabilitation program. While all of the horses are emaciated, four of the horses are very severely emaciated. It is estimated that it will take six to 12 months for all of the horses to recuperate and regain their health.
No charges have been filed at this time.
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Horses Seized From Isle Of Wight Farm
Press Release, January 23, 2009
United States Equine Rescue volunteers from the Richmond Region assisted Isle of Wight County animal control officers and Virginia state veterinarians in the removal of 23 horses on Sand Pit Road in Zuni, Virginia on Wednesday, January 21. The Richmond Region of the USERL is housing and rehabilitating 10 of the horses in three rehabilitation barns around the Richmond area. All 10 horses are being evaluated and will receive all necessary veterinarian and farrier care. All horses have been placed on a carefully planned rehabilitation program to restore their health which could take any where from 3 to 9 months depending on their individual condition. The remaining 13 horses were placed in the care of the USERL's Tidewater Region as well as regions in North Carolina.
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Horses in trouble had witnesses in court
February 24, 2008 12:16 am
Sometimes it's difficult to find positive things in the world of animal welfare, but then something happens that makes the effort worthwhile ["Neglected horses land Caroline man in jail," Feb. 9].
Take Caroline County. Horses: not enough food, not enough water, not enough anything. Take good, hard-working animal-control officers, responding to a good citizen's lead that there were horses in trouble.
The horses needed help for sure. The vets came and looked. The U.S. Equine Rescue League people came and looked. There was a trial on Feb. 8. And now Michael Wilkerson, the man charged, has been convicted
Three animal-control officers from Caroline appeared at the trial. The vets came and spoke at length, providing details about each horse.
Susan White, cruelty investigator of the U.S. Equine Rescue League, spoke articulately about the case and about the good that has already happened to the horses since USERL took custody. Her team was there with pictures of the hunger. The reporter captured some detail. The judge listened and asked some questions.
Newly elected Commonwealth Attorney Tony Spencer quipped before the trial started that he had more good witnesses for this trial than he did on a particular murder trial. He was clearly proud. All of Caroline County should be proud.
A group of people made change for the horses, and the defendant was found guilty. Never mind that he is appealing. He will not win. Caroline County has learned to say "enough's enough" and mean it.
Accolades all around. That was a good day.
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Five Horses Seized in Caroline County
Five horses were seized in Caroline County Tuesday, and their owner has been charged with animal cruelty.
Michael Wilkerson of Ruther Glen will be arraigned next week on five counts of animal cruelty, said Animal Control Officer J.C. Heffler. She said the office investigated after an anonymous tip to check on the animals and the horses were found “in poor body condition” and were emaciated. While lack of food is thought to be a cause of the horses’ condition, Heffler said more tests would need to be done by a vet before they could determine the condition of each horse.
The United States Equine Rescue League is assisting the animal control office by boarding and caring for the horses, Heffler said. Susan White, an investigator for the league, said in a release that the horses range in age from 1 year to 32 years. She said three of the horses are “severely emaciated” and it is expected to take six to 12 months for all of the horses to regain their health.
Heffler said while the horses are currently being cared for by the league, their permanent ownership is pending Wilkerson’s trial.
Wilkerson has previous convictions of allowing a horse to run at large and failure to keep livestock fenced, according to court records.
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Upcoming U.S.E.R.L. Meeting
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