- North Carolina, USA -
Between January 18, 2023, and January 20, 2023, Burke County Animal Services/Animal Enforcement seized a total of eighty-eight (88) animals from two properties in Morganton owned by 54-years-old JULIE ANN SHERRILL (pictured), of 1945 Eastbrook Circle, Morganton.
On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, SHERRILL was served a search warrant and the agency seized thirty-nine (39) chickens and thirty-two (32) miniature horses. Officers also discovered additional properties with horses whose guardian was learnt to be SHERRILL, and after additional search warrants were issued on Thursday and Friday, seventeen (17) more miniature horses were removed by Burke County Animal Enforcement, bringing the total to forty-nine (49) horses.
Eight of the latest seventeen horses had cockleburs, six others had a body condition score of three or less, one other horse had a body score condition of four and another horse had a body score condition of five.
Nine horses housed in a different location, were well-cared for by a good Samaritan who hadn’t heard from SHERRILL since November. “The horses were taken to prevent owner reclamation and possible abuse/neglect,” reports WBTV.
While serving the search warrants at the two locations, officials found dead animals and the skeletal remains of other animals. Investigators said some miniature horses were found to be staying alive by eating mud/dirt and sawdust-like material.
As for the chickens, officials said that they are generally healthy but were found with lice and some will need medical attention.
The search warrant follows a necropsy report on a miniature horse, found on one of the properties, which revealed that the poor animal died of starvation.
SHERRILL was arrested on Monday, January 23, 2023, and court records show she was charged with twenty-three misdemeanor cruelty to animals. Additional charges are pending. SHERRILL was released after she posted a $2,500 bond. According to court records, SHERRILL is due in court on the morning of Friday, February 17, 2023.
Animal Services Foundation are accepting donations for the animals’ medical care and feed.
Donations can be made by visiting the Foundation’s website. Thank you!
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