A Florida jury deliberated less than four hours before finding the former operators of Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary both guilty of aggravated animal cruelty.
Sheree Napier was convicted on Wednesday of eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty and scheming to defraud. Napier’s husband, Alan, was found guilty of the same plus unlawful solicitation. Alan Napier was remanded in custody, while his wife remains out on bond, due to medical reasons.
Last February, authorities from multiple agencies seized more than 300 animals during a raid at the couple’s Manatee County facility. Seventeen horses were removed from two properties by officials. The sheriff’s office received complaints regarding the purported non-profit sanctuary.The Bradenton couple was arrested on 15 counts of animal cruelty. The charges involved nine dogs, five horses, and a cat.
The jury found the Napiers not guilty of three animal cruelty charges. Sheree Napier was found not guilty of unlawful solicitation.
The Napiers are likely to serve a prison sentence, according to authorities. The maximum sentence is 85-years in prison. They are scheduled to be sentenced on March 27th.
