Joanne Bourbeau/The HSUS

Phyllis Desautels adopted this foal, rescued from neglect.

Two horse owners—each charged with nine counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty in June for neglecting horses in Readsboro, Vt.,—both recently pleaded guilty to two charges (see Fall 2007 NERO Regional News PDF). The original charges against Judith Page and Doug Nicklien were reduced in exchange for their guilty pleas.

In addition to a three-year deferred sentence of probation, the couple was mandated to receive psychological counseling and to refrain from owning horses during this time period. A restitution hearing to determine the couple's financial responsibility in the case is pending.
 
The HSUS and the Windham County Humane Society removed the horses in June 2007. The animals were malnourished, dehydrated, and not receiving proper hoof care. Spirit, one of the two, four-week old foals who were surrendered during the course of the investigation, died a week after rescue.
 
“This plea bargain is bittersweet,” said New England Regional Director Joanne Bourbeau, who led efforts to help authorities with the criminal investigation. “I’m glad to see the mandate for psychological counseling and restitution. But I’m disappointed that a deferred sentence means that the cruelty charges are wiped from their record after their probationary period has ended, as long as they honor the terms."

Of the rescued horses, Bourbeau said that she—and the many volunteers who stepped in to help—will always remember the deplorable state in which they found the horses. "I know these animals will never forget what was done to them. Thankfully, all of the adoptable horses found permanent, loving homes.”