BENZIE COUNTY, MI -- The Animal Welfare League of Benzie County is speaking out after a severe case of animal abuse.
The horse involved is recovering, while the person charged with the crime serves jail time.
In the fall of 2010, officials were notified about farm animals being abused in Frankfort. When authorities arrived they found a cow and a Belgium horse with tow chains embedded in their necks.
“We have seen horses abused before. Many times… (They are) chained up with chains around their neck too tight,” said Animal Welfare League President Norma Eason.
The Animal Welfare League of Benzie County paid more than $2600 to care for the horse. The cow was put down.
Larry Coombs, of Frankfort, was sentenced in late January for the animal abuse.
His sentence included 2 years probation, 90 days in jail, restitution to the Animal Welfare League of Benzie County for payment of medical cost and care, court costs.
Animal Control officer Edwin Carter said the horse would have died if it was not for an anonymous tip.
“If you seen abuse or neglect out there, report it to your nearest animal shelter, animal control or police department. That is what needs to happen because if we don't have these complaints we don't know what's going on in the county…we just don't know,” Carter said.
