We have some additional information on the possible case of animal neglect concerning the horses on County Road 32 in Cherokee County. Following ongoing cries of outrage from the community, things finally started to move forward in regard to that case this week.

Joell McBunett told WEIS Radio News Wednesday that their group was finally able to locate the owners of those animals in Etowah County and they were able to reach an agreement to purchase the horses from them.  Attempts were made to treat the mare – unfortunately, the horse had to be euthanized.  A small pony is still being treated by a veterinarian.

In Alabama – cases involving livestock fall under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Agriculture and Industries.

We contacted State Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan by phone on Wednesday, and he informed us that investigators assigned to these types of cases work under the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, so we took the next step, and contacted ALEA Public Information Officer Curtis Summerville who informed us that since this was an ongoing investigation he could not comment on the matter – saying simply that upon completion of the investigation the findings would be turned over to the district attorney.

We will be in contact with the district attorney’s office in an effort to learn whether charges will or will not be brought in this case, and we will seek to obtain a statement from the DA’s Office at that time.