Defendant Gutierrez pleaded guilty to animal cruelty for the starvation of 3 horses, including a young colt. All of the horses recovered under the care of Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Inc.
Gutierrez is not permitted to possess animals of any kind for 5 years and is subject to random inspections to ensure compliance. He must pay a $100 fine and court costs.
He faces 90 days in jail and the reinstatement of the remaining $400 in fines if he fails to comply with the terms of probation.
Gutierrez was arrested Dec. 16 after Sagamore Hills police responded to a complaint of animal neglect regarding Gutierrez's horses Nov. 27 at Acadia Farm on Olde Eight Road.
According to police, a Parma woman interested in purchasing a horse went to look at two of Gutierrez's horses advertised for sale, saw they were emaciated and contacted police.
Police said Gutierrez came to the barn while they were there and explained he couldn't afford to adequately feed them.
PHSGA Humane Officer Tim Harland told the News Leader he went to the stable Nov. 27 and found other horses that belonged to other owners appeared in good condition.
"Different owners rent stable space and it is their responsibility to care for their own horses," Harland said.
PHSGA reached out to Happy Trails Farm in Ravenna, who took in the three horses.
(Holland & Muirden, Attorneys at Law - January 13, 2015)
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