Officials pursue legal process in case of pony rescued from nailed-shut stall

Cross-posted from the Bethany Bulletin

Kathleen Schurman, farm animal rescuer in Bethany with Cheyenne, a Paint horse that had been confined to a nailed-shut muddy stall in Bethany for two years. At right is her dog Ragano who often keeps the rescued animals company. Cheyenne has severely overgrown hooves and is missing fur in the areas that had been caked with mud before Kathleen began to clean her up. Mara Lavitt/New Haven Register

It has been eight days since the black and white pony, Cheyenne, was rescued from a nailed-shut stall in Bethany where she had stood in knee-deep muddy manure for about two years. While the horse is making excellent progress in her recovery, animal lovers from around the state are puzzled as to why no abuse charges have been filed. Many are wondering why the names of the horse’s owners have not been published.

According to Animal Control Officer Karen Lombardi, there is a process that must be followed.

“We can’t release any names until charges are filed,” Lombardi said.

According to the animal control officer, the paperwork for the warrants is currently being processed. It will ultimately be submitted to a judge who will review the case to determine if there is probable cause. If the answer is “yes,” a warrant for arrest will be the next step. Continue reading >>