NEWS
Paragallo to face multiple animal cruelty counts
Posted: Friday, April 10, 2009 1:57 PM
HORSE AT PARAGALLO'S CENTER BROOK FARM
Courtesy of Columbia-Greene Humane Society
by Frank Angst
New York authorities charged Thoroughbred owner Ernie Paragallo with multiple counts of animal cruelty on Friday.
On Wednesday, New York State Police and the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA executed a search warrant on Paragallo’s Center Brook Farm in Climax, New York. Two veterinarians examined horses and found many to be extremely thin and in need of medical attention.
On Friday, New York State Police Investigator William Fitzmaurice charged Paragallo with 22 counts of animal cruelty. According to New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, animal cruelty is a misdemeanor that carries penalties of up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for each count.
Paragallo has surrendered 60 horses to CGHS for placement and is currently cooperating with authorities. The 117 horses remaining at the farm are under the care and supervision of CGHS, the New York State Police, and Jerry Bilinski, D.V.M., and Danielle Sand, V.M.D.
The New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund has ceased distribution of incentive awards to the farm and Paragallo, who has started four horses in the Kentucky Derby (G1), including 1996 fifth-place finisher and Central Kentucky stallion Unbridled’s Song.
The New York Racing Association removed Paragallo’s credentials pending the results of the investigation. His Paraneck Stables cannot start any horses until it appoints a new agent. Technically, Paragallo serves as Paraneck’s agent with his daughters the owners of the stable. NYRA must approve the new agent, and it cannot be a blood relative of Paragallo or stable employee.
NYRA is allowing the 40 Paraneck horses stabled at Aqueduct to remain on the grounds. NYRA plans to donate funds to the group(s) caring for horses at Paragallo’s Center Brook Farm.
Because CGHS is unexpectedly taking on so many Thoroughbreds, it could use donations. For information, click here.
Frank Angst is senior staff writer of THOROUGHBRED TIMES
