A Sandown man has relinquished his three horses to avoid possible animal cruelty charges after they were found living in poor conditions, police said.

Joseph Assenza gave the horses to the N.H. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals after inspections at his Fremont Road property, police Chief Joe Gordon said yesterday.

SPCA officials said the horses were living in filthy stalls, were not given fresh water, and did not have appropriate shelter from the cold.

"They were standing in manure," Gordon said. "He put in shavings to absorb the manure. The land that he has there for them just isn't suited for horses. It's unfortunate because it's a passion that he has."

Police and SPCA officials first inspected the property on Feb. 15 at which time Assenza voluntarily turned over one horse. The other two horses remained, but Assenza was told that he would have to provide proper shelter and fresh water, and clean out the stalls, authorities said. The horses were properly fed, Gordon said.

The property was inspected again on Feb. 28 under a verbal agreement that allowed authorities to return to ensure that conditions had improved.

"He worked at trying to comply with the state regulations and recommendations and just fell a little short on that," Gordon said.

A veterinarian was called in and determined that the horses were not being cared for properly and should be removed.

"They have a variety of health issues, some including skin and feet," said Sheila Ryan, director of development and marketing at the SPCA in Stratham.

Gordon said one of the horses had a rear leg injury.

The male horses included a 17-year-old mustang, and 11-year-old paint horse, and a 10-year-old quarter horse.

The SPCA staff will evaluate the horses and provide necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation before they are put up for adoption.

Reference

The Union Leader