On Nov. 29, 2011, The Equiery reported that Pennsylvania authorities had seized 21 neglected horses at the Littlestown farm being rented to a James Houseman.  The Pennsylvania station, ABC 27, which reported the story, claimed that Frederick County officials were investigating Mr. Houseman for a similar situation at a farm he leases in Thurmont, Maryland (Frederick County).

The Equiery followed up the story by contacting the Frederick News-Post to ask whether or not the News-Post was investigating this Frederick County story. As a result of The Equiery’s urging, on Saturday, December 3, the Frederick News-Post did publish a thorough update of the Maryland situation.

According to the Frederick News-Post, the horses at the Thurmont farm were not in as critical condition as the horses in Pennsylvania, so Frederick County Animal Control authorities decided to proactively work, via education efforts and regular monitoring, with Mr. Houseman to help ensure that he complied with Maryland’s minimal standards of care laws for equines. Thus far, Frederick County Animal Control is satisfied with the condition of the horses, and is satisfied that Mr. Houseman is attempting to provide adequate water and nutrition. Officials say they will continue to monitor the health and wellbeing of the horses.

Click here to read the Frederick News-Post story full.  Click here to read more about the laws describing the minimum standards of care for horses in Maryland.

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UPDATE: On May 16, 2012, Houseman pleaded guilty to animal cruelty. For more details, please click here.