HSWC Field Service Officers seized two horses belonging to Bowers on Jan. 22 of this year. At the time, he was charged with 12 counts of animal cruelty for failure to provide food, water, veterinary care and causing unnecessary pain and suffering.
On April 1, the HSWC received a complaint concerning the welfare of additional horses owned by Bowers. A search and seizure warrant was served at the location of the horses on April 3.
A total of five horses were removed from two separate properties by the HSWC.
Of those seized, some were found emaciated inside of a barn, standing in up to two feet of manure and urine. Two of the emaciated horses were pregnant and due within weeks. Several horses had urine scald on their bodies. They were infested with parasites and in critical condition.
After that seizure, Bowers was then charged with 25 additional counts of animal cruelty for failure to provide food, water, veterinary care, proper space and causing unnecessary pain and suffering.
“I think this case has set a precedent for large animals, especially horses, in Washington County,” Field Services Officer Crystal Mowery said. “There is a standard of care that must be upheld for these animals, and if not, there will be consequences.”
TYPICAL OF ANIMAL CRIMES, PERPETRATOR GETS SLAP ON WRIST
On Monday, Bowers was sentenced to a 90-day suspended sentence on all charges for a total of 21 months. He must serve a three year period of supervised probation with all fines waived.
Bowers must forfeit all of his seized horses and must downsize his herd to one horse per two acres of land. Judge Mark Thomas also ordered Bowers to complete a mental evaluation.
Finally, the HSWC is permitted to inspect all properties owned or leased by Bowers, including inside of barns.
Probation just means don't get arrested in the next three years. Otherwise, he can go on with his life as usual. He wasn't required to pay for any medical care provided to the animals he abused, doesn't have to pay any fines (which could have gone towards more animal control officers, more training for officers, funding for injured stray animals found, etc.), doesn't have to spend a single night in a jail cell... all he has to do is sell off some of his animals and put up with animal control coming by to check on things maybe once or twice a year.
The Humane Society of Washington County exists to promote the welfare of companion and domestic animals through educational programs and initiatives that reduce pet overpopulation, endorse fostering, enrich adoptions and encourage responsible pet guardianship.
Full Name: Joseph A Bowers
Address: 10831 Coffman Rd
City: Hagerstown
State: MD
Zip Code: 21740
Date of Birth: 08/xx/1973
Race: White
Charging County: Washington County, Maryland
Case Number: 6V00094331
Charge: Animal Cruelty
Statute: CR.10.604.(a)(1)(2)(3)
Type:
Charge Date: 03/25/2016
(Your4State - Oct 27, 2016)
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