You may have read the news recently about Gerald (Jerry) Herron of Hoosick Falls being arrested for the third time on animal cruelty charges. A 6 month old colt that was seized from his property along with his mother was brought to a veterinary facility and died from malnutrition. Yes, in spite of the best efforts of an equine veterinarian, it was too late and this 6 month old baby starved to death. Many people are asking why he is still allowed to have horses, but most people only know a small piece of the story. We first encountered Mr. Herron in 2008 after receiving complaints about the conditions at his farm. We partnered with State Police on the investigation, an arrest was made and the case was handed over to the Rensselaer County District Attorney. The case then sat on a desk for two years and was plead down to disorderly conduct with essentially no penalties and no help for the horses. In 2011 we went back with State Police and again, Herron was arrested for having horses in similar conditions. Again the case took more than two years to get to court in the Town of Hoosick. Herron plead guilty to one count of animal cruelty, was sentenced to four weekends in jail and was allowed by the court and D.A. to keep the horses. So now we’re back again in the same D.A.’s office and the same court. These are not just any horses. It is clear from lip tattoos on the horses at Herron’s farm that some of the horses have raced and are being bred for racing. What is not clear is who these horses actually belong to. We are working with State Police now to determine ownership of the horses on the property including the foal that died because additional charges can be brought against the owner. ***Update: I spoke to the Executive Director of the NYS Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund and Jerry Herron’s farm has been removed from the Fund’s Directory of Farms. Herron has not received funds since his first conviction for cruelty. Their policy was sent to me which prohibits payments to anyone accused of animal cruelty unless charges are dropped and permanently prohibits payments to people convicted of cruelty. *** I don’t want this man to get away with cruelty like this a third time and I need you help to stop this from happening. Please make the following phone calls: 1-The Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office and tell them that this time we won’t accept and deals. Gerald Herron should be convicted of animal cruelty and prohibited from possessing animals. (518) 270-4040 2-The Town of Hoosick Court and tell them we want the harshest possible penalties against Gerald Herron, a three time offender, including no animals (518) 686-3335 With your help we can make sure no other horses suffer the same fate at the hands of Jerry Herron.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 16:53:59 +0000
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