from the NY State Police Information Office
On October 1 the New York State Police concluded an animal neglect investigation with the arrest of Christopher G. Stevens, 26, of Stephentown. Concerned citizens contacted the State Police regarding horses on Stevens’ property which appeared underfed.
The investigation determined that Stevens owned four horses which had lost a considerable amount of weight in the last several months.
[private]Shotgun Found
On September 25, 2013 Stevens agreed to donate his two thinnest horses to Little Brook Farm so they could be provided with immediate care. Based on the condition of one of the remaining horses, and the unhealthy and unsanitary conditions the animals were in, the State Police executed a search warrant on the Stevens property in an effort to relocate the remaining two horses and secure any associated records documenting the animals. While executing the warrant the State Police also recovered a shotgun that Stevens is prohibited by law to possess.
All of the horses have been evaluated by a veterinarian. Three of the horses were determined to be emaciated. Two also exhibited signs of respiratory infection, dermatitis, and excessive hair loss.
Stevens was charged with three counts of Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance under Article 26 section 353 of the Agriculture and Markets Law, a class A misdemeanor. Stevens was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the fourth degree a class A misdemeanor. Stevens was arraigned before the Town of Sand Lake Justice and released to probation to reappear on October 9 in the Town of Stephentown court.
Horses Relocated
The New York State Police would like to thank Little Brook Farm of Chatham (thelittlebrookfarm.org). Without the tremendous support received from Little Brook Farm, the safe relocation of these animals would not have been possible.
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