Burke Animal Services takes ownership of seized miniature horses

The miniature horses seized in an animal cruelty case in January have officially become the property of Burke County Animal Services after the animals’ previous owner was unable to pay for their upkeep.

Forty-nine miniature horses and thirty-nine chickens were seized by Burke County Animal Services and Animal Enforcement from several properties located in Burke County mid-January following an animal cruelty investigation. 

The miniature horses have been under veterinary care since the seizure; however, the chickens were humanely euthanized for having two reportable and incurable diseases.

Miniature horses in foster homes

After receiving around 100 foster applications from animal lovers throughout the region and conducting site visits, Burke County Animal Services (BCAS) relocated the horses to their new foster homes during the week of February 6, 2023, for continued convalescence.

As permitted by N. C. General Statute 19A-70, care of animal subjected to illegal treatment, Burke County filed a “Petition for Deposit of Funds for Animal Care” with District Court on Feb. 14 requesting the defendant, Julie Ann Sherrill of Morganton, be ordered to deposit sufficient funds for secure payment of all the reasonable expenses expected to be incurred by BCAS for caring for the animals pending disposition of the litigation. 

The first month’s expenses were $11,979.57, which would have been significantly higher without tremendous support from the community in the form of generous discounts on services, supplies and product donations. It was also estimated that an additional $7,500 a month would be needed for the horses’ on-going care. 

The Petition required a total of $19,479.91 be deposited with the Burke County Clerk of Superior Court for the impounding and reasonable expenses for care and boarding for the seized animals from Jan. 18, through Feb. 16, and for an additional 30-day period, up to and including March 18. 

A hearing was held on March 6 in District Court. The petition was approved and filed. Ms. Sherrill had until 5 p.m. on March 13 to deposit the required funds. However, she failed to do so; therefore, ownership of the 49 miniature horses was forfeited and they became the property of Burke County.

Health rechecks are currently being conducted on the horses and the ones examined so far are all gaining appropriate amounts of weight for them to be healthy. The horses will continue to receive care from BCAS as long as they are held as evidence in this case. 

Donations are still greatly appreciated as their new journeys continue. Scott Mulwee, Chairman of the Burke County Board of Commissioners, said he is pleased with the outcome of the legal proceeding and with the horses’ improvement.