New York: Greenfield woman, Ann Arnold, convicted of 19 animal cruelty counts

NEW YORK -- A judge Tuesday barred a Greenfield woman from owning animals following a trial in which evidence was presented that showed starving and neglected horses in her care, prosecutors said.

Town Judge Michael Ginley sentenced Ann Arnold, 59, to a term of three years probation, during which time she may not own any farm animals, according to the Saratoga County District Attorney’s office.

Arnold also received a $500 fine for her May conviction on 19 counts of failure to provide proper food, water and sustenance to horses she on her Wilton Road property, and one count of second-degree criminal nuisance, all misdemeanors.

The horses were subjected to prolonged and profound starvation, were underweight by as much as 400 pounds and many suffered from “rain rot,” a painful skin condition that results from being exposed to prolonged wet conditions without proper shelter.

 

 

As part of the sentencing, Arnold must pay $7,112 in restitution to Upstate SPCA for monitoring the horses during the case, and undergo a mental health evaluation to address whether she may have an obsessive, compulsive disorder pertaining to the collection or hoarding of animals, the district attorney’s office said.

 

 

 

Ginley gave Arnold 60 days to relinquish 17 remaining horses from her property. The court will transfer ownership of any horses in her care after the 60 days to Saratoga County.

Anyone interested in adopting one of the horses should go to this website and fill out the form. Information will be forwarded to Upstate SPCA.

Note: Her brother Duane Carpenter was later charged with animal cruelty.

Duane Carpenter

(Times Union - July 17, 2012)

Earlier:

• Greenfield horse owner Ann Arnold arrested for animal neglect again