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Patricia Macquignon, 53, and Michaela Macquignon, 24, of Putnam Valley were arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 11, by the Putnam County SPCS following the discovery of the two horses, said SPCA Chief Ken Ross.
After receiving the complaint, Ross said they visited the home and immediately spotted the two horses -- a 20-year-old male quarter horse named Red and an 18-year-old Tennessee Walking horse named Oreo -- who were in a severe state of emaciation.
The owners were told to immediately call a veterinarian to care for the horses, he added.
After veterinary examinations, both horses were found in extremely poor condition and at risk of dying if they were fed and care for, Ross said.
In addition to the easily noticeable ribs and bones that were protruding prominently, their skin was in a severe state of neglect due to dermatitis/rain rot.
The owners were given instructions on how to correctly care for the horses and informed they needed to regularly check-in with the veterinarian and the SPCA.
Both failed to do either and did nothing to help the horses, Ross said. That's when the horses were seized and turned over to the rescue team.
Within a short time, the horses have shown immediate signs of improvement since necessary veterinary care and feed/nutrition have been given regularly and maintained, he added.
Both owners were charged with two counts each of alleged animal cruelty, and failure to provide sustenance. If found guilty they face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine or a combination of both.
“All animals require daily care, which at a minimum means adequate food, clean water, shelter, and veterinary care," said Ross. All of this costs money and needs to be factored into the decision of whether or not to own an animal.”
If you know of an abused animal, the Putnam County SPCA 24-Hour Hotline can be reached at 845-520-6915.
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