February 27, 2007

Hagerstown, MD:  Barbara Reinken, the Sharpsburg woman whose 74 horses were seized in December 2006, appeared in Washington County District Court on Thursday February 22nd.  The State requested the matter be rapidly set for its trial date and Judge Mark D. Thomas granted the Stare’s request, setting a court date of March 19th at 1:00 pm for the beginning of the criminal trial.  Ms. Reinken was informed of her rights and since the potential imprisonment exceeds 90 days she was informed she is permitted to request a jury trial.  Her counsel was not present.

Ms. Reinken was charged with 72 misdemeanor counts of abuse or neglect of animal and 4 felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals on December 22nd, 2006.  If convicted on the misdemeanor charges, she faces imprisonment not to exceed 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both, for each misdemeanor offense.  If convicted of the felony charges she faces imprisonment not exceeding three years or a fine not exceeding $5,000, or both.   

The horse rescue effort that began on December 2nd, 2006 has now become an extensive medical and rehabilitative effort.  “We continue to provide for the veterinary, rehabilitative and daily needs of the 70 live horses remaining in our care,” stated Paul Miller, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Washington County.  He added, “The Humane Society of Washington County is dedicated to overseeing the welfare of these horses.  With the likelihood that the trial date will be pushed back, these animals continue to require the assistance of the public in the forms of donations of hay and monetary contributions.”  

For those wishing to contribute to the ongoing veterinary care and rehabilitation of the seized horses, contributions can be made out to the Humane Society of Washington County, Attention: The Sharpsburg Horse Rescue Medical and Rehabilitation Fund, 13011 Maugansville Road, Hagerstown MD  21740.