Putnam SPCA Accuses Women Of Cruelty To Horses

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Two Putnam County residents have been accused of starving their horses. Officials of the Putnam County SPCA said they found a 20-year-old Quarter Horse named Red and an 18-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse named Oreo in a severe state of emaciation.

The horses were owned and tended by Patricia Macquignon, 53, and Michaela Macquignon, 24, of Bell Hollow Road in Putnam Valley.

After veterinary examinations, both horses were found to rate 1 out of 9 on the equine body condition score (5 being normal), officials alleged. The bone structure was easily noticeable, the ribs and withers were protruding prominently, and their skin was in a severe state of neglect due to dermatitis/rain rot. There was also apparent neglect to the hooves, with cracks and necrotic tissue present.

The horses were removed from the property and signed over by the Macquignons to a rescue in Dutchess County. Within a short time, the horses have shown immediate signs of improvement since necessary veterinary care and feed/nutrition have been given regularly and maintained, SPCA officials said.

Patricia and Michaela Macquignon were charged with two counts each of animal cruelty under the NYS Agriculture and Markets law, Article 26, Section 353; failure to provide sustenance. Each charge is a Class A Misdemeanor carrying up to one year of jail, a $1,000 fine or a combination of both.

“All animals require daily care, which at a minimum means adequate food, clean water, shelter and veterinary care," SPCA Chief Ken Ross said. "All of this costs money and needs to be factored into the decision of whether or not to own an animal.”

Putnam County SPCA: 24 Hour Hotline – 845-520-6915. Website – www.spcaputnam.org