California: POS Mendocino organic farmer Guinness McFadden gets sweetheart deal after letting donkey suffer and then using it for target practice

CALIFORNIA -- A Potter Valley rancher and winemaker will perform 50 hours of community service and give $1,000 to a donkey rescue group in exchange for having misdemeanor animal cruelty charges filed against him dropped.

Guinness McFadden also will write a letter acknowledging responsibility and expressing remorse for the negligent care and killing of a donkey he adopted about 30 years ago from the Bureau of Land Management, according to the Mendocino County District Attorney's Office.

The donkey had been neglected for years, according to a report by the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office. Its hooves had grown to more than a foot and length, causing them to spiral and curve out at 90 degree angles and forcing the animal to walk on its fetlocks. The aging burro also had a volley-ball sized tumor on its side, according to the report.

McFadden was charged with animal cruelty earlier this year after he was warned to either get immediate care for the animal or put it down.

PG&E workers who operate a hydroelectric facility adjacent to the donkey's pasture alleged McFadden fired multiple shots, wounding the donkey twice before finally killing it.

District Attorney Meredith Lintott said the agreement is an appropriate way to settle the case.

If McFadden, 73, was convicted, he could lose his license to sell alcohol, potentially making it difficult for him to make a living, she stated in a prepared release.

McFadden, a Navy veteran, also is community minded and has an otherwise good record of caring for his ranch animals, Lintott stated.

That's like saying, "Other than beating this child to death, he has an otherwise good record of caring for his other children."

The settlement will become final in 12 months if McFadden complies with the terms of the agreement.

(Press Democrat - Sept 9, 2010)

Earlier:

• Mendocino organic farmer charged with animal cruelty