Animal cruelty citations filed
WAYNESBURG – Several Greene County residents were recently issued citations for charges of animal cruelty after numerous animals were allegedly found to have been abused and neglected. According to Jane Gapen, a state humane police officer who also serves as director of the Greene County Humane Society, four residents were charged with 22 total counts of animal cruelty in April and May following investigations that were conducted by humane police officers from Greene County.
All of the information regarding the alleged incidents of animal cruelty was obtained from the official citations filed by Gapen. These citations are public documents and are available for public review.
James Barnhart of New Freeport was issued four citations following an investigation by humane police officers on April 22.
In one count, Barnhart was cited for allegedly depriving a dog “of necessary sustenance to the point of death,” according to the citation.
In another count, he was cited for allegedly striking a dog “with enough force to cause deep external wounds” to its head. Gapen said the dog was confiscated and has since been adopted out through the humane society.
In the other counts, he was cited for lack of “necessary sustenance” and veterinary care.
Several dogs also were found to be on short tethers, Gapen said.
The citations were filed in the office of Magisterial District Judge Lou Dayich.
Joseph and Suzanne Culp of Rices Landing were issued six citations following an investigation on May 31. In one count, the Culps were cited for allegedly neglecting a horse by not providing proper care, to the point that the horse had to be euthanized immediately, according to records.
The other citations indicate that two other horses and several dogs were allegedly neglected and were suffering from a lack of food and water and veterinary care.
The citations were filed in the office of Magisterial District Judge Lee Watson.
Helen Kelley of Sycamore was issued four citations following an investigation May 24. The citations indicate that four horses were found to be neglected of “necessary sustenance and veterinary care.”
Two other horses were found dead on Kelley’s property, Gapen said.
The citations were filed in the office of Magisterial District Judge Glenn Bates.
Fred King of Carmichaels was issued three citations following an investigation on March 21. The citations allege that several cattle were found to be in need of food and veterinary care, according to Gapen.
The citations were filed in Lee Watson’s office. A hearing for the citations has been scheduled for July 8 before Watson.
John and Melody Self of Garards Fort were issued five citations following an investigation on May 9. The citations indicate that the Selfs allegedly neglected and failed to provide proper veterinary care for five different horses; in one count, they were cited for neglecting a foal “by depriving it of necessary sustenance until it died,” the citation states.
The citations were filed in Lee Watson’s office. A hearing for the citations has been scheduled for July 8 before Watson.
A conviction for each citation can involve a fine between $50 and $750 and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days, according to Gapen. Gapen said humane police officers typically investigate reports of animal abuse and cruelty after receiving information from residents. The Greene County Humane Society has received 155 animal abuse calls so far in 2008.
“If these numbers continue at its current pace, this year could mark one of our highest totals for animal abuse calls,” Gapen said. “And people need to understand that one call could mean several animals and several visits to the property being investigated.”
Gapen said the humane police officers received assistance in one of the investigations from state dog wardens from Greene, Washington and Fayette counties.
Currently, Greene County has four trained and certified state humane police officers.
“We have more officers now than we’ve ever had, and that is attributed to the donations and support from the community,” she said. “We are the only police officers in this area that have to raise our own funds to continue our services. Because of the support that we receive, we are able to have more officers, conduct more investigations and help more animals.”
“We are very thankful for those who donate and those who support our fund-raising initiatives,” she stressed. “That’s what makes it possible for us to do what we do.”
Gapen said she is appreciative of residents who report animal abuse incidents.
“We thank those who call in because they are concerned about the animals’ safety and welfare,” she said. “Sometimes, the investigations admittedly turn out to be false alarms or not very serious. But we take every call, every investigation seriously. And we wouldn’t be able to check out any incidents if we didn’t get those calls.”
Gapen said residents can report animal abuse to the Greene County Humane Society by calling 724-627-9988.
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