Leonard W. Hughes (aka Lenny Hughes), 44, Corsica, has been charged by Jefferson County’s humane officer with 14 non-traffic summary counts of animal cruelty. The charges were filed with District Judge Gregory M. Bazylak of Brookville late Thursday.
Additionally, she is asking for possible imprisonment for nearly half the cases.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, McAndrew first visited the property at 1418 Howe Road on Aug. 30 after receiving complaints that grossly thin horses were on the property.
In court records, she said she spoke with Michelle Secka because Hughes was unable to speak to her due to injuries he suffered from an accident. At that time, McAndrew told Secka about her concerns for the horses on the property as there was no hay visible and they were underweight.
She said she told Secka at that time to get the animals veterinary care within one week before she returned.
On Sept. 3, McAndrew came back to the property after receiving a call from state police about a horse that was down and barely breathing. When McAndrew called Secka she confirmed that horse was shot to end its suffering and that a vet wasn’t called as instructed due to money issues.
McAndrew stressed to her the need for vet care and hay for the horses, as well as for a brown dog on the property who was thin and needed vet care.
On Sept. 14, McAndrew returned to the property to find the horses were still not cared for.
In the affidavit of probable cause, McAndrew, who has owned horses for more than 25 years, said she believed that “due to lack of sustenance and veterinary care if these horses do not receive immediate intervention...they will die.”
The horses were seized by search warrant the next day and are currently owned by the state as their cases work through the court system.
Willow Run Sanctuary & Adoptions, Inc., known as the hub for humane services in Jefferson County, is the caretaker of the animals on behalf of the state.
The horses have since been split into several different foster homes for their own protection and so they can be provided with the care they need.
(Courier Express - Sept 30, 2016)
