Pennsylvania: Police investigating after woman sees Amish man, Marvin Sensenig, beating exhausted horse

PENNSYLVANIA -- Police in Lancaster County are investigating an animal cruelty report involving a horse.

Ephrata police said they received an animal cruelty complaint on Tuesday involving a horse that was pulling a wagon along a roadway.

"The report was made in a timely manner and the investigation began at that time. Officers conducted interviews and follow up interviews – and will conduct more," police said in their news release.

In photos supplied by police, a man is seen standing over the horse as the horse laid on the ground.

Police issued a statement denying that the
officer said Amish don't have to abide
by the law.

"As a criminal justice agency, it is imperative that we sort out fact from fiction, and truth from hyperbole before taking action against a citizen," police said. "We must collect evidence and information."

According to a police account, "Sensenig used one horse to pull a farm wagon with a burden too great for a single horse. The horse became overheated due to the hot temperatures and collapsed onto the asphalt." 

It continues: "Sensenig then was seen kicking the horse in the abdomen and the back of the head, and punching the horse in the head."

Police said they are working to collect more evidence and information, and investigations can take some time.

Note: A newer article said that the fire department responded and sprayed 'over 1,000 gallons of water on the horse to cool it down'. The horse was ultimately euthanized they say (shot?).  They say they were out there on the side of the road for three hours. Was a veterinarian ever called to the scene?

 

Investigators ask anyone who may have seen what occurred to contact police or "submit a tip" through their webpage.

No charges have been filed as of Wednesday morning in the case. Additional details about the incident were not released by police.

From Facebook:
Today my friend Mimi and I watched as an Amish criminal beat a horse to the point it collapsed. The horse was unable to pull a wagon full of watermelon and 2 grown men. So the Amish man walked beside the horse and beat it until it fell to the grown. At that point he continued to kick, hit and pull on the poor seemingly dying animal. I pulled over and called the police. They came to evaluate the situation, only to tell me that they are unsure of the outcome. Because Amish are governed under a different law. Are you kidding? Isn't abuse standard across the board? So if I decide to beat and kill animals I need to change my religion to be above the law?!? Are you telling me the police are powerless against the Amish?!?

Just an update, the police officer has reached out to me and is trying to help!

(Local21 - Aug 3, 2016)