HASTINGS, Neb.-
Adams County will soon sell a group of horses that have cost the county more than $77,000 since 2004.
The animals were confiscated in an animal neglect case. They will be sold at a public auction in April.
The horses were originally owned by Rose Marie Arthur, 44, who was convicted on 17 of 19 counts of neglect and 19 counts of lacking health certificates.
Arthur was sentenced to jail and ordered to pay restitution. She appealed and Adams County District Judge Stephen Illingworth upheld the decision, but lowered the restitution based on Arthur’s ability to pay. Illingworth ruled the horses could not be sold until the appeals were finished.
The county filed a lien against the horses in 2004 to recoup the cost of caring for the horses. Each horse costs $4 per day for food and lodging, not including veterinary costs.
Originally, the county took 19 horses into custody. One colt was born and three horses were released, leaving 17 in county care. Four of the horses had to be euthanized during the appeals, leaving 13 to be sold.
“It added up to an enormous amount,” said Adams County Sheriff Gregg Magee. “It’s the relief many have been looking for.”
Adams County Attorney Donna Fegler Daiss said the court ordered the horses to be sold at a public auction to pay for the maintenance costs.
Arthur also was ordered by the court to provide any breeding documentation that could increase the value of the horses. The money will go to pay off expenses incurred by the county first, she said. Anything remaining would go back to Arthur.
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Information from: Hastings Tribune,
