Friday, October 3, 2008

Alleged horse abuser arrested

Aquebogue man jailed, five horses seized

This excerpt and mugshot are from an article in The [Riverhead] News Review (October 2, 2008) by reporter Michael White:



Citing prior traffic offenses and a history of failing to show up in court, the judge held Mr. Gandolfo on $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota's office.
...
One neighbor of the property in Central Islip told television news crews Sunday that the land reeked of manure -- and that the horses looked "skeletonized."

"It's terrible to say, but they looked like they just came out of a concentration camp," the woman added. "Hopefully, they'll get better."

Mr. Gandolfo faces up to two years behind bars if convicted, prosecutors said. His lawyer did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

The SCSPCA, which operates on donations and is not affiliated with the ASPCA in New York City, has filed a petition with the court for the defendant to post a security bond, which the SCSPCA can use to recoup the costs of housing and feeding the animals for at least 30 days. With care costing an estimated $50 per horse per day, the group is requesting that Mr. Gandolfo post $7,500 until the case is resolved.

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