PUTNAM VALLEY – Two women from Bell Hollow Road in the Town of Putnam Valley have been charged with animal cruelty pertaining to mistreatment of two horses.
The Putnam County SPCA arrested Patricia Macquignon, 53, and Michaela Macquignon, 24, on two counts each of alleged animal cruelty under state agriculture and markets law for failing to provide sustenance.
A 20-year-old male quarter horse named Red and an 18-year-old Tennessee walking horse named Oreo, owned and cared for by the two women, were found to be a severe state of emaciation.
Following veterinary exams, both horses were found to rate one out of nine on the equine body condition score with five being normal.
The bone structure was noticeable, the ribs and withers were protruding, and their skin was in a severe state of neglect due to dermatitis/rain rot.
There was also apparent neglect to their hooves, with cracks and necrotic tissue.
The horses were removed from the property and signed over by the two women to a rescue in Dutchess County.
The SPCA said within a short time, Red and Oreo have shown immediate signs of improvement with veterinary care and nutrition.
If convicted, the women face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine or both.
“All animals require daily care, which at a minimum means adequate food, clean water, shelter and veterinary care,” said SPCA Chief Kenneth Ross. “All of this costs money and needs to be factored into the decision of whether or not to own an animal.”
