An Oxford woman was charged with animal cruelty after a horse, a pony and a pot-bellied pig were seized from her property earlier this month, Chenango County deputies said.

The charge has been disputed by the owner.

The search warrant for the property of Lida Cassata was executed March 15, deputies said. The 4-year-old horse and 30-year-old pony were found inside a confined area with no access to light, fresh air or proper nourishment, deputies said. Both had a severe case of lice, and the pig had severe dermatitis and lice, deputies said.

Deputies said that the dogs, cats and birds found at the house were being properly cared for.

The three animals are being treated for a variety of medical conditions and are improving, deputies said. The pig is at the CCSPCA, which assisted in the case, and the equines are at Meadowgate Equine and Rehab Facility in Newfield, which was also involved, deputies said.

At a hearing in Oxford Town Court on Monday, the SPCA asked for a security posting of $2,678 to cover the first 30 days of care, said executive director Carol Hedlund. A hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. April 13, with a trial to follow, she said.

Cassata said she hired attorney Scott Clippinger to represent her in the case. He is also representing Steven Fong, of Brooklyn, who is scheduled to go to trial April 21 for charges stemming from the seizure of 76 Pomeranians in October.

Cassata said the charges stem from a dispute with a neighbor.

"I feel like I've been violated," she said. "I am not guilty of any charges."

The horse was purchased from an auction in September and has put on 500 pounds since, she said, and the animals had food and water when they were taken away.

Reference:

The Daily Star