DARLINGTON - The horses seized by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department as a result of animal neglect in February are now up for adoption.
Deputies seized 12 horses after numerous accusations of animal neglect in Green and Lafayette counties, and an investigation revealed that Sean Legault, 56, Monroe, had left his horses underfed. He was arrested after deputies found a dead horse on his property in the Town of Wiota, as well as emaciated horses. Legault faces nine counts of failing to provide sufficient food to animals and has a scheduling conference set for Aug. 20 in Lafayette County Circuit Court. The county is also seeking civil action against Legault so the county gains full ownership of the horses.
A sheriff's department news release stated that Legault could have received four of the horses back if he paid $6,000 for their care. He chose not to pay and as a result lost all rights for ownership of the horses.
Since they were taken in February, one of the 12 horses succumbed to the neglect it faced and died.
Two of the horses delivered newborn foals, also up for adoption. There are a total of 13 horses available to be sold for adoption. The two foals need to remain with their mothers, and all the adult horses have their vaccinations.
The horses have been staying on a citizen's farm rented out by the department, Sheriff Scott Pedley said. The horses will be sold to gain back some of the $17,000 incurred by the sheriff's department for caring for the animals. Pedley said the horses may be viewed by appointment only and anyone interested should contact the sheriff's office. Written bids for the horses will be accepted until Aug. 6 and a background check will be run on all interested parties to ensure the horses go to a good home.
The sheriff's office can be reached at 608-776-4870, scott.pedley@lafayettecountywi.org, or at P.O. Box 148 Darlington WI, 53530.
-Tom Holm
Deputies seized 12 horses after numerous accusations of animal neglect in Green and Lafayette counties, and an investigation revealed that Sean Legault, 56, Monroe, had left his horses underfed. He was arrested after deputies found a dead horse on his property in the Town of Wiota, as well as emaciated horses. Legault faces nine counts of failing to provide sufficient food to animals and has a scheduling conference set for Aug. 20 in Lafayette County Circuit Court. The county is also seeking civil action against Legault so the county gains full ownership of the horses.
A sheriff's department news release stated that Legault could have received four of the horses back if he paid $6,000 for their care. He chose not to pay and as a result lost all rights for ownership of the horses.
Since they were taken in February, one of the 12 horses succumbed to the neglect it faced and died.
Two of the horses delivered newborn foals, also up for adoption. There are a total of 13 horses available to be sold for adoption. The two foals need to remain with their mothers, and all the adult horses have their vaccinations.
The horses have been staying on a citizen's farm rented out by the department, Sheriff Scott Pedley said. The horses will be sold to gain back some of the $17,000 incurred by the sheriff's department for caring for the animals. Pedley said the horses may be viewed by appointment only and anyone interested should contact the sheriff's office. Written bids for the horses will be accepted until Aug. 6 and a background check will be run on all interested parties to ensure the horses go to a good home.
The sheriff's office can be reached at 608-776-4870, scott.pedley@lafayettecountywi.org, or at P.O. Box 148 Darlington WI, 53530.
-Tom Holm