AR-News: (NY - US)Animal cruelty conviction overturned in starving 38-yr-old pony

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Animal Cruelty Conviction Overturned In Pony Death

Mar 19, 2004 7:55 am US/Eastern
(1010 WINS) (Mays Landing) -- The animal cruelty conviction of a farmer accused of starving a 38-year-old pony has been overturned.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals initially filed four counts against Edward Johnston after they seized two of the Buena man's ponies in March 2003. Two counts involving one of the animals was dismissed several months later in Buena Municipal Court, but Johnston eventually was convicted on one count involving the other pony.

The 76-year-old farmer was ordered to serve 15 days of community service and pay more than three-thousand dollars in restitution for the care the pony received before he was euthanized last summer.

But that sentence was dismissed this week. And Johnston says he's feel vindicated by the ruling.


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