After nearly a month long investigation, Waldoboro police arrested a Rockland man Jan. 12 for the alleged abuse of a herd of horses on a farm at 432 Chapel Rd. in Waldoboro, said
According to Waldoboro Police Chief Bill Labombarde. Donald L. Genthner, 51, has been charged with seven counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, and four counts of felony aggravated animal cruelty.
Genthner posted bail and is out on the condition that he not own or be in possession of any animals. His arraignment is scheduled for March 25 at the Lincoln County Superior Court in Wiscasset.
“We believe that he acted recklessly by not feeding these horses,” Labombarde said.
Three horses died and one was in severe pain from malnutrition and an untreated leg problem, Labombarde said.
When discovered in December, the rest of the herd was found living in deplorable conditions, Labombarde said. The horses were forced to walk through mud and manure that in some places was up to their knees, and they hadn’t seen a ferrier since the early spring, Labombarde said.
“Some of these horses’ feet were in really bad shape,” Labombarde said.
Det. Lance Mitchell with the Waldoboro Police Department made the arrest. He was assisted by Waldoboro Animal Control Officer Laurice Ducharme and members of the State Animal Welfare Agency.
The landowner was not involved in the abuse and was “nothing but helpful” in the investigation, Labombarde said. “She went above and beyond to make sure these animals were cared for after they were found,” he said.
