Horse owner avoids charges in neglect case

HERMITAGE, Pa. -- Mercer County's humane agent said she won't file any charges against the owner of numerous horses in an animal neglect case because he is helping to find new homes for the animals.
Cyndi Sankey and other members of the Mercer County Humane Society and Sacred Trust Horse Rescue of Sheakleyville visited the Lynnwood Drive farm owned by Joseph Quarterson after getting an anonymous tip that there were neglected horses there.
Sankey said they found 24 horses, which included five foals and five pregnant mares, and two dogs that were all in need of veterinary care.
The animals weren't physically abused but were neglected. Five of the horses had no access to food, water or pasture, she said.
Quarterson had a veterinarian visit the site to check on the animals Friday and is working with Sacred Trust Horse Rescue to find new homes for all of the horses, Sankey said.
They'll be given away free, but the new owners must guarantee proper veterinary care for the animals they take, she said.
Proper care of the animals is the key point here, Sankey said, and because Quarterson is cooperating in finding them new homes, no animal abuse or neglect charges will be filed against him.