The operators of a now defunct Florida horse sanctuary are scheduled to stand trial for animal cruelty and fraud on October 20th.
Alan and Sheree Napier were arrested two months after a multi-agency raid led to the seizure of more than 300 animals. Seventeen horses were removed from Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, which claimed to be a no-kill shelter.
Sheree Napier was initially charged with 14 counts of animal cruelty. Her husband was charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty and one count of fraud. The charges stem from the alleged abuse of nine dogs, five horses and a cat.
In June, both turned themselves into the Manatee County jail after additional charges were filed. The pair was charged with one count of scheming to defraud over $50,000. Alan Napier was charged with two counts of employing [a] solicitation device to defraud. Sheree Napier was charged with employing [a] solicitation device to defraud. The charges stem from the sanctuary’s alleged misuse of donations. The rescue is also accused of soliciting funds when its non-profit status lapsed.The Director of Veterinary Medicine for the rescue is also in trouble for allegedly causing unnecessary pain to a dog. Small animal vet Edward Dunham, DVM is charged with aggravated animal cruelty for allegedly utilizing Ketamine during a major surgery on the canine. Authorities say the drug, also known as Special K, gives little to no pain relief to dogs and should have been used with another sedative. Dr. Dunham is scheduled for trial in October.
The rescued horses from the sanctuary continue their recovery. The small animals seized have found new homes.
