TIMBLIN BOROUGH, Pa. (EYT) – A Punxsutawney man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after an injured and emaciated pony was reported to authorities.
Court documents indicate Willow Run Sanctuary & Adoption Inc. filed the following criminal charges against 41-year-old Emanuel Yoder, of Punxsutawney:
– Aggravated Cruelty to Animals Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death, Felony 3
– Cruelty to Animals, Misdemeanor 2
According to a newly released criminal complaint, on September 12, 2019, Jefferson County Humane Society Police Officer McAndrew received a call of concern regarding a small black pony or yearling chained to a fence at a location on East Market Street in Punxsutawney.
Officer Debbie McAndrew responded to the complaint around 4:15 p.m. and spoke to a known woman who stated Officer McAndrew would need to speak to Emanuel Yoder, who would be home around 6:00 p.m.
Officer McAndrew then took multiple photos of the animal from the public roadway before leaving the scene.
Officer McAndrew returned to the location around 6:00 p.m. and found that the pony was no longer tied to the fence, but was tied to the side of a barn. Officer McAndrew then met with Emanuel Yoder.
According to the complaint, Yoder explained the pony had “dropped weight” approximately two months prior, but also said he believed it had gained some of the weight back. When asked if the pony was under any type of vet care, Yoder said it was not. Officer McAndrew then asked to see the animal up close, and Yoder led her to it.
The complaint notes that up close, McAndrew found that every bone on the pony was visible, and its chest and neck were small and thin, with every bone in its spine clearly visible and each rib protruding. One hip bone was also sticking out and the other appeared to be abnormal.
(Photo courtesy of Debbie McAndrew)
According to the complaint, when asked why he thought the pony was so thin, Yoder responded that its “hip was out,” but when asked if he had a veterinarian examine it after it stopped eating properly, or any time since then, Yoder stated he had not.
Officer McAndrew then informed Yoder the pony’s condition was violating several Pennsylvania Humane laws and seized the pony, which was immediately removed and taken for veterinary care.
The complaint notes that a veterinarian examined the pony and found that its hip was either fractured or dislocated, but its injury could not be treated or repaired due to its seriously compromised health and extreme pain.
The pony was then humanely euthanized.
According to the complaint, a post-mortem examination of the pony confirmed a left hip dislocation. It was then transported for burial.
“This is the case, in my time in Jefferson County, that has most shook me to my core,” Humane Officer McAndrew told exploreJeffersonPA.com.
The charges were filed against Yoder through Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on Monday, September 30.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, with Judge Mizerock presiding.
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