Additional charges were filed--but Johnson will get the horses back. I can't help but wonder if Judge Benfield returns children to similarly abusive parents! Thanks to everyone who contacted York authorities about this case. The contact information follows the article below--in case anyone wishes to further express their disappointment that such an irresponsible jerk will get his hands back on those poor horses, and/or perhaps express appreciation to Hannah Snow for taking good care of the horses. There is also a "Speak Out" forum at The Herald's website:
More charges filed in Smyrna horse neglect
By Wendy Bigham The Herald, York, South Carolina
http://www.heraldonline.com/local/st...-1474822c.html
(Published June 7‚ 2002)
SMYRNA - A Smyrna man accused of neglecting his horses last month has been charged with nine more counts of ill treatment of animals, police said.
But if Ira Otis Johnson III, 59, of 610 Burns Road follows about a dozen guidelines set by a magistrate judge, he will get his horses back, said Hanna Snow, York
County Animal Control supervisor.
Johnson could not be reached for comment Thursday night. Police took the 13 Tennessee Walker horses into protective custody May 12 after finding them malnourished and neglected on Johnson's land. Two other horses died shortly after authorities became aware of the situation, and one colt was later found dead on Johnson's property.
He originally was charged with one count of ill treatment of animals, arrested and released on $425 bond. The additional nine charge were added Tuesday.
According to court documents, Magistrate Lynne Benfield, ordered Wednesday that Johnson follow nearly a dozen guidelines, including:
n Deworm horses every 12 weeks;
n Trim hooves;
n Monitor for appropriate weight;
n Give antibiotics that may be necessary for skin infections;
n Maintain stable hygiene; and
n Give minimum vaccines.
Snow said she examined Johnson's pasture Tuesday and noted that he has repaired his fence, cleaned his barn and added new water bowls for the horses.
Snow will visit Johnson's pasture twice a week to make sure there is plenty of food and water and make sure the corrals are clean.
Snow took another load of hay and sweet feed to the horses last week. They are being kept at an undisclosed location.
"The horses are doing great," Snow said. "People are brushing the horse's manes, and now their manes are untangled. They are so affectionate. Now the stud who used to be people-shy comes up to the fence."
When the horses were first taken into custody, nearly a dozen people donated food and money. Though the donations have slowed, people still are calling to help.
"Some will say "I've got 10 bales of hay, where do you want me to bring it?'" Snow said.
Johnson may sell some of his horses, said Snow and Capt. Glenn Williams of the York County Sheriff's Office.
"They are his property," Snow said. "If he wants to sell or buy the horses, that's his decision."
If anyone is interested in buying the horses, they should call York County
Animal Control.
Williams said that Johnson's attorney, Trent N. Pruett, has requested a jury trial, but a date has not been set.
"With close supervision, I have a feeling he'll change things and not make the same mistake," Snow said.
Contact Wendy Bigham at 329-4068 or
wbigham@heraldonline.com.
Prior articles:
http://www.heraldonline.com/front/s...p-1412411c.html
http://www.heraldonline.com/local/s...p-1412477c.html
http://www.heraldonline.com/opinion...p-1430644c.html
Contact information for York officials:
York County Animal Control
Director Hanna Snow
1765 York Hwy
York, SC 29745
Ph: 803-628-3190
Fax: 803-628-3194
E-Mail:
HannahSnow@co.york.sc.us
York County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Bruce Bryant
1675-2a York Hwy
York, SC 29745-7430
Ph: 803-628-3059
Fax: 803-628-3075
info@yorkcountysheriff.com
Humane Society of York County
Chairman Dr. Robert Chappell
2036 Carolina Place
Fort Mill, SC 29708
Ph: 803-802-0902
Fax: 803-547-3420
No e-mail address
Bond Hearing Magistrate, Judge Debra McCullough
Magistrate Court Judge, Lynn Benefield
1675 York Highway
York, SC 29745
Ph: 803-628-3095
Fax: 803-628-3178
Solicitor Tommy Pope
1675 York Highway
York, SC 29745
Ph: 803-628-3020
