A Colorado horse breeder convicted of animal abuse was scheduled to begin her jail sentence Friday. Instead of turning herself into jail, Sherri Brunzell posted a $10,000 appeal bond.
Brunzell’s jail sentence is stayed until her appeal is reviewed by the Colorado Court of Appeals.
Last week, the lower court denied Sherri Brunzell’s request for a new trial.
Ten horses and four llamas were seized from Brunzell in September 2014. The animals were found living with 14 of their former stablemates’ decomposing remains.
The seized animals were cared for at two rescues during the case. Brunzell paid a $5400 bond monthly for their care during the proceedings.
In May, the American Quarter Horse breeder was found guilty of eight misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. She was acquitted of six counts involving four llamas and two horses.
Brunzell was sentenced to 60-days in jail. Once released, Brunzell will serve 5-years probation and is banned from owning or caring for any livestock, including horses and llamas.
The horses seized, including the famous AQHA stallion Dual Peppy, have been placed in private homes after recovering from their maltreatment. Brunzell was ordered by the court to relinquish the horses’ AQHA papers. She handed over the registration papers for the horses, but Dual Peppy’s was reportedly not included.
Brunzell is scheduled to appear for a restitution hearing on December 15.
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