King County Animal Care and Control investigation results in conviction of second degree animal cruelty

Agency's fulltime cruelty investigator in place

This month marks an important phase in a recent horse cruelty case in King County. An Enumclaw horse owner who was successfully prosecuted last month for the neglect and suffering of two horses must begin submitting monthly reports on the care of his four remaining horses before the end of June. The King County Prosecuting Attorney took the case after an investigation by King County Animal Care and Control (KCACC) in November found one lame horse, Lady, on the owner’s property.  KCACC also found another horse named Brass who was the subject of an investigation in 2006.  Although officers removed Lady and were able to get her to the equine Humane Society known as Hope for Horses for recovery, Brass was in chronic pain due to a rotated coffin bone that shot through his foot. Veterinary experts determined that he had to be humanely euthanized to end his suffering.   

After hearing testimony from two KCACC officers about the horses’ injuries and unhealthy conditions for the other animals on Darryl Lindsey’s Enumclaw property, Superior Court Judge Deborah Fleck convicted the owner on two counts of second degree animal cruelty and sentenced him to 24 months probation, a six month suspended sentence and ordered him to pay full restitution.

In addition, according to Prosecuting Attorney Julie Kline, “the court is keeping Mr. Lindsey on a tight leash” by only allowing him to keep his four horses as long as he provides the court and KCACC with access to them as part of the monitoring of their health and welfare, and written reports that prove they are receiving monthly veterinary exams.

This is one of several animal cruelty cases currently being investigated by King County Animal Care and Control, which has one full-time Animal Control Sergeant dedicated to the agency’s cruelty investigations.

“The Lindsey conviction is a great example of our animal control officers working in collaboration with other agencies like law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney,” said KCACC Acting Manager Al Dams.   “This case shows that we take animal cruelty and neglect complaints very seriously, and that perpetrators of this crime will be held accountable.”

Despite the successful prosecution, Hope for Horses Executive Director Jenny Edwards wishes the animals in the case didn’t have to bear the brunt of their owner’s neglect.

“It breaks my heart to know that Lady will be permanently lame because of the lack of care.  She would have made a fabulous horse for children because of her sweet, gentle nature.”

To report suspected animal cruelty or neglect in King County, collect as much detailed information as possible and call 206-296-PETS (7387).