The Horse magazine today reported a plea deal for Gerry of probation. And this:
"Owners whose horses were among those seized from Norcrest Farm should contact the SPCA at 607/776-3039. Proof of legal ownership is required to claim a horse. "
Anyone on this forum who owned a horse she boarded probably already knows this, but just in case...
Norcrest - Locked threads
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soft hearted
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I notice in all the reports that GERRY is required to refrain from owning animals (pets, companion animals) but there is no mention of her mother?
So, Mamma Enabler could, theoretically, restart another place ... and it's all right if GERRY just happens to "work" there and help her out?
So... what about the *rest of case*?
I don't understand the "IF the judge orders" clause in the articles.
Unless that's in reference to her ability to pay/repay?
I DO like the fact that this is only a preliminary finding, NOT the end of the road and that things are left open for further charges
So, Mamma Enabler could, theoretically, restart another place ... and it's all right if GERRY just happens to "work" there and help her out?
So... what about the *rest of case*?
I don't understand the "IF the judge orders" clause in the articles.
Unless that's in reference to her ability to pay/repay?
I DO like the fact that this is only a preliminary finding, NOT the end of the road and that things are left open for further charges
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BridledObsession
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We will be examining all angles.....trust me. Anything to drive the point home. If it's in our best interest to do it soon, we will. If it pays to wait until the statute of limitations is almost up (because presumably they may have recovered financially by then) we will.
You can bet I will not forget their names. I will personally follow up in the coming years to make sure they do not own/abuse any more horses. It boggles the mind to think that TWO people did this together --- neither one looked at the other and said that this needs to stop or we should get help.
My divorce is still pending.......I talk to my attorney more than I care to think about. My recent $1500 bill says it all.
I'll just pay a little more (what's the difference at this point ) and decide which course of action is best.
You can bet I will not forget their names. I will personally follow up in the coming years to make sure they do not own/abuse any more horses. It boggles the mind to think that TWO people did this together --- neither one looked at the other and said that this needs to stop or we should get help.
My divorce is still pending.......I talk to my attorney more than I care to think about. My recent $1500 bill says it all.
I'll just pay a little more (what's the difference at this point ) and decide which course of action is best.It boggles the mind to think that TWO people did this together --- neither one looked at the other and said that this needs to stop or we should get help.
Bridled and everyone,
Let's not forget that Gerry Trupia and Maryann Blazejewski did not exist in a vacuum. There were people close to both of them -- family, friends and business associates -- who also chose to turn a blind eye and who failed to get help.
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BridledObsession
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Warm and Fuzzy Sunday Morning Update
Thanks to Editor Rob Price at The Courier, a Steuben County weekly newspaper. The link is here: http://www.steubencourier.com/news/2008 ... e/002.html
Quote:
'I like seeing the horses come back'
A Mitchellsville horse lover takes on 16 sanimal cruelty cases
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE
Terry von Hagn grew up liking horses and learned to ride through an equestrian club in the Haverling school district. She owned her first horse when she was a high school senior and two years later bought her second horses.
Von Hagn now is the owner of six horses — and the supervisor of 16 more she suddenly acquired at the end of August, when the Finger Lakes SPCA seized more than 80 horses from a Troupsburg horse breeding farm. The SPCA has placed the horses at numerous foster stables in Steuben and other counties, including von Hagn's horse farm in the Mitchellsville area.
"I like helping," she said last week, speaking from her office at the Finger Lakes Parent Network in Bath. "I like seeing the horses come back."
The horses have a long way to go. When they arrived at von Hagn's farm, they were severely underweight, victims of chronic malnutrition. Their coats were marred by rain rot, a fungus that typically afflicts horses with weakened immune systems. Their hooves were uncared for, overgrown and cracked. Their rib cages showed through their coats, and hip bones protruded sharply.
"They were in very poor shape," von Hagn said. One horse became so sick, it had to be euthanized.
Moreover, the horses showed signs of an emotional ordeal. They didn't recognize apples or carrots. "They didn't know an apple tastes good, because no one had given them one," von Hagn said.
The horses are still skinny, but their condition has improved over the past five weeks. Originally weighing 600 to 800 pounds, each has gained 150 to 200 pounds, von Hagn estimated. Their improved diet also is having a impact on their skin condition. Von hagn said she has been feeding them lots of hay and a special grain mix supplemented by vitamins and minerals. Her 512 acre farm also provides lots of pasture for grazing.
Von Hagn has her hands full. On top of her regular work hours, she is putting in four to six hours a day on the farm. On weekends, she works all day around the horses.
The work load has delayed her long range plan to open a horse boarding facility. "That's on hold until we figure out what's going to happen with therse guys," she said.
Two weeks ago, Geraldine Trupia, the owner of the Troupsburg farm, pleaded guilty in Troupsburg town court to two counts of animal cruelty. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors will ask she be placed on probation and make her farm available to unannounced visits from the SPCA's animal cruelty officer. She also is not allowed to by employed around animals.
Meanwhile, the SPCA is working to locate legal owners of the horses. The agency is also paying the cost of caring for the animals it seized, but not for the hours of labor rescuers like von Hagn are putting in.
"I'm just in charge of feeding and upkeep and helping them get back on their feet," von Hagn said. "I have no idea how long I'll have them, but I'm willing to keep them for however long it takes."
End Quote
Quote:
'I like seeing the horses come back'
A Mitchellsville horse lover takes on 16 sanimal cruelty cases
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE
Terry von Hagn grew up liking horses and learned to ride through an equestrian club in the Haverling school district. She owned her first horse when she was a high school senior and two years later bought her second horses.
Von Hagn now is the owner of six horses — and the supervisor of 16 more she suddenly acquired at the end of August, when the Finger Lakes SPCA seized more than 80 horses from a Troupsburg horse breeding farm. The SPCA has placed the horses at numerous foster stables in Steuben and other counties, including von Hagn's horse farm in the Mitchellsville area.
"I like helping," she said last week, speaking from her office at the Finger Lakes Parent Network in Bath. "I like seeing the horses come back."
The horses have a long way to go. When they arrived at von Hagn's farm, they were severely underweight, victims of chronic malnutrition. Their coats were marred by rain rot, a fungus that typically afflicts horses with weakened immune systems. Their hooves were uncared for, overgrown and cracked. Their rib cages showed through their coats, and hip bones protruded sharply.
"They were in very poor shape," von Hagn said. One horse became so sick, it had to be euthanized.
Moreover, the horses showed signs of an emotional ordeal. They didn't recognize apples or carrots. "They didn't know an apple tastes good, because no one had given them one," von Hagn said.
The horses are still skinny, but their condition has improved over the past five weeks. Originally weighing 600 to 800 pounds, each has gained 150 to 200 pounds, von Hagn estimated. Their improved diet also is having a impact on their skin condition. Von hagn said she has been feeding them lots of hay and a special grain mix supplemented by vitamins and minerals. Her 512 acre farm also provides lots of pasture for grazing.
Von Hagn has her hands full. On top of her regular work hours, she is putting in four to six hours a day on the farm. On weekends, she works all day around the horses.
The work load has delayed her long range plan to open a horse boarding facility. "That's on hold until we figure out what's going to happen with therse guys," she said.
Two weeks ago, Geraldine Trupia, the owner of the Troupsburg farm, pleaded guilty in Troupsburg town court to two counts of animal cruelty. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors will ask she be placed on probation and make her farm available to unannounced visits from the SPCA's animal cruelty officer. She also is not allowed to by employed around animals.
Meanwhile, the SPCA is working to locate legal owners of the horses. The agency is also paying the cost of caring for the animals it seized, but not for the hours of labor rescuers like von Hagn are putting in.
"I'm just in charge of feeding and upkeep and helping them get back on their feet," von Hagn said. "I have no idea how long I'll have them, but I'm willing to keep them for however long it takes."
End Quote
Finger Lakes SPCA Update - 10/10/08
http://www.fingerlakesspca.org/Press%20 ... 090308.htm
(link to Press Release, Photos and Wish List)
Update in regard to large horse seizure by Finger Lakes SPCA Inc. (in Steuben County) from Middle Creek/Norcrest Farm (Geraldine Trupia, Operator):
It has been six weeks since Officer Scott Mazzo (Animal Cruelty Investigator for the Finger Lakes SPCA, Inc. (F.L.SPCA)) with the assistance of the District Attorney’s Office initiated the seizure of 85 severely neglected horses from 4512 County Route 82 in the town of Troupsburg, New York. Eighty of the horses rescued were able to be placed immediately into SPCA foster care homes to begin their recovery and receive nourishing food, fresh water and long overdue medical and farrier care (not to mention TLC). Sadly, humane euthanasia was the only kindness we could offer four of the horses with severe pain and suffering on the first day of rescue. Additionally, a fifth horse was DOA.
The operator (Geraldine Trupia) of the aforementioned farm plead guilty to misdemeanor animal cruelty charges October 1st, 2008 in Troupsburg Town Court. Formal sentencing has been slated for November in the same court. The case still remains open with the ongoing investigation. Others may face charges in connection with this case.
All horses are receiving medical care under the auspices of eight veterinary practices/veterinarians. Due to the level of neglect and starvation for the vast majority of these horses, continuing veterinary care has been and will be ongoing for some time. Many of the horses have a long way to go to be returned to happy, healthy animals again.
However, foster care and medical reports document vast improvement in the overall health of the majority of these animals. Horses that could once barely walk or lift their heads and had almost given up on life are now showing increased energy levels and a will to live. Some of these same horses are even trotting about in their pasture and whinnying with happiness and delight at the sight of their foster care provider. Foals once weak and emaciated are now frisking about in their pens. Horses that were once skeletal and underweight are now gaining weight – and are showing a marked difference in the appearance since the day of their rescue.
One such horse (Sharp Gal) was reunited with her owner – Virginia Stack (from PA) this week. Please refer to attached photos. Sharp Gal had a very low body condition score and was almost too weak to stand six weeks ago, but thanks to the dedication of her foster care provider (Dawn Wragg of Corning, N.Y.), veterinary care, the SPCA with the support of many volunteer rescuers and donors – she is on the mend - feeling and looking much better (as her photo demonstrates). Attached please also find pictures of Sharp Gal before she was placed at Middle Creek/Norcrest Farm, upon her rescue, and a short time before her release.
Since their rescue and placement into foster care, four more horses have perished (all under veterinary care & all with very poor body condition scores upon rescue). Currently, we have 75 horses in foster care.
The SPCA anticipates the release of other horses to owners in the upcoming weeks pending proof of ownership verification and horses being cleared for travel by an attending veterinarian. SPCA officials ask any persons who had horse breeding and/or boarding agreement with Geraldine Trupia to contact the Finger Lakes SPCA, Inc. by calling 607-776-3039 so their inquiries can be processed in a timely manner. Proof of legal ownership is necessary to redeem horses (bill of sale in addition to other paperwork may be required to assure proper identification of horse and rightful ownership).
We cannot thank the donors & volunteers (particularly foster care providers) enough for helping to support the care of these needy horses. We want donors to know that whether your donation was large or small – the horses and volunteers and staff at the Finger Lakes SPCA appreciate it. We, and these horses, still have a long way to go. We believe months of care still lie ahead for many of these horses who will not be redeemed and while investigation continues & ownership interests are determined. The outpouring of concern and generosity of so many on behalf of these starved animals is nothing short of admirable and inspiring. However, continuing monetary support, in-kind services & item donations are still needed, as horse care expenses already paid and coming due in the upcoming month is expected to exceed current pledges and contributions.
The horses will continue to be looked after under the auspices of the SPCA while the case is further investigated. It is still unclear exactly how many horses belonged to the operator of this farm versus other owners who had breeding/boarding agreements with the operator. Currently, it is our belief that the majority of the horses were owned by Geraldine Trupia. The horses are not subject to return to Ms. Trupia or anyone who knew or should have known of the unlawful act.
We would also like to give special thanks to the Hornell Area Humane Society and student and staff volunteers from Alfred State College for all their volunteer efforts and support on both days of the rescue and continuing assistance and support with foster care, fund-raising, etc. Subsequent press release to follow detailing the participation of various other agencies involved in supporting this large equine protection effort.
Prepared by: Vicki S. Mogrove, Executive Director
10/10/2008
(link to Press Release, Photos and Wish List)
Update in regard to large horse seizure by Finger Lakes SPCA Inc. (in Steuben County) from Middle Creek/Norcrest Farm (Geraldine Trupia, Operator):
It has been six weeks since Officer Scott Mazzo (Animal Cruelty Investigator for the Finger Lakes SPCA, Inc. (F.L.SPCA)) with the assistance of the District Attorney’s Office initiated the seizure of 85 severely neglected horses from 4512 County Route 82 in the town of Troupsburg, New York. Eighty of the horses rescued were able to be placed immediately into SPCA foster care homes to begin their recovery and receive nourishing food, fresh water and long overdue medical and farrier care (not to mention TLC). Sadly, humane euthanasia was the only kindness we could offer four of the horses with severe pain and suffering on the first day of rescue. Additionally, a fifth horse was DOA.
The operator (Geraldine Trupia) of the aforementioned farm plead guilty to misdemeanor animal cruelty charges October 1st, 2008 in Troupsburg Town Court. Formal sentencing has been slated for November in the same court. The case still remains open with the ongoing investigation. Others may face charges in connection with this case.
All horses are receiving medical care under the auspices of eight veterinary practices/veterinarians. Due to the level of neglect and starvation for the vast majority of these horses, continuing veterinary care has been and will be ongoing for some time. Many of the horses have a long way to go to be returned to happy, healthy animals again.
However, foster care and medical reports document vast improvement in the overall health of the majority of these animals. Horses that could once barely walk or lift their heads and had almost given up on life are now showing increased energy levels and a will to live. Some of these same horses are even trotting about in their pasture and whinnying with happiness and delight at the sight of their foster care provider. Foals once weak and emaciated are now frisking about in their pens. Horses that were once skeletal and underweight are now gaining weight – and are showing a marked difference in the appearance since the day of their rescue.
One such horse (Sharp Gal) was reunited with her owner – Virginia Stack (from PA) this week. Please refer to attached photos. Sharp Gal had a very low body condition score and was almost too weak to stand six weeks ago, but thanks to the dedication of her foster care provider (Dawn Wragg of Corning, N.Y.), veterinary care, the SPCA with the support of many volunteer rescuers and donors – she is on the mend - feeling and looking much better (as her photo demonstrates). Attached please also find pictures of Sharp Gal before she was placed at Middle Creek/Norcrest Farm, upon her rescue, and a short time before her release.
Since their rescue and placement into foster care, four more horses have perished (all under veterinary care & all with very poor body condition scores upon rescue). Currently, we have 75 horses in foster care.
The SPCA anticipates the release of other horses to owners in the upcoming weeks pending proof of ownership verification and horses being cleared for travel by an attending veterinarian. SPCA officials ask any persons who had horse breeding and/or boarding agreement with Geraldine Trupia to contact the Finger Lakes SPCA, Inc. by calling 607-776-3039 so their inquiries can be processed in a timely manner. Proof of legal ownership is necessary to redeem horses (bill of sale in addition to other paperwork may be required to assure proper identification of horse and rightful ownership).
We cannot thank the donors & volunteers (particularly foster care providers) enough for helping to support the care of these needy horses. We want donors to know that whether your donation was large or small – the horses and volunteers and staff at the Finger Lakes SPCA appreciate it. We, and these horses, still have a long way to go. We believe months of care still lie ahead for many of these horses who will not be redeemed and while investigation continues & ownership interests are determined. The outpouring of concern and generosity of so many on behalf of these starved animals is nothing short of admirable and inspiring. However, continuing monetary support, in-kind services & item donations are still needed, as horse care expenses already paid and coming due in the upcoming month is expected to exceed current pledges and contributions.
The horses will continue to be looked after under the auspices of the SPCA while the case is further investigated. It is still unclear exactly how many horses belonged to the operator of this farm versus other owners who had breeding/boarding agreements with the operator. Currently, it is our belief that the majority of the horses were owned by Geraldine Trupia. The horses are not subject to return to Ms. Trupia or anyone who knew or should have known of the unlawful act.
We would also like to give special thanks to the Hornell Area Humane Society and student and staff volunteers from Alfred State College for all their volunteer efforts and support on both days of the rescue and continuing assistance and support with foster care, fund-raising, etc. Subsequent press release to follow detailing the participation of various other agencies involved in supporting this large equine protection effort.
Prepared by: Vicki S. Mogrove, Executive Director
10/10/2008
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Laurierace
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Amen, Laurierace; from your lips to God's ear.
Meanwhile, here's more warm & fuzzy, this time with video:
http://news10now.com/content/top_storie ... fault.aspx
Syracuse's News10Now ran a feature on the Troupsburg horses yesterday. The article is very similar to Sunday's Courier article featuring Terry von Hagn.
But this one has a video. Approximately mid-way down the page, there's a peach-colored box entitled "Seized horses in good care. In August, officials at the Fingerlakes SPCA seized 85 horses from a farm in Troupsburg. Some did not make it, while others are trying to recover from a life of neglect. Mariah Sparks has more."
Meanwhile, here's more warm & fuzzy, this time with video:
http://news10now.com/content/top_storie ... fault.aspx
Syracuse's News10Now ran a feature on the Troupsburg horses yesterday. The article is very similar to Sunday's Courier article featuring Terry von Hagn.
But this one has a video. Approximately mid-way down the page, there's a peach-colored box entitled "Seized horses in good care. In August, officials at the Fingerlakes SPCA seized 85 horses from a farm in Troupsburg. Some did not make it, while others are trying to recover from a life of neglect. Mariah Sparks has more."
soundfast wrote:Gerry posted under buying/selling TODAY and is claiming that she owned Sharp Gal and We We C and that they are available for adoption from the SPCA along with many others.
Actually, I did not read her post that way. She did not say that she owned every horse on that list. The first sentence states that she surrendered her own personal horses and that they should be adoptable. The second sentence is just a lead in to the list of "available" horses.
Another indication that she was not implying that she owned them all is that she clearly stated in the list which ones were seized. Seized is NOT the same as surrendered. She also posted that the DA has the JC papers on the seized horses, but not on the others. I read that list as being a compilation of two categories of horses.
It is my understanding that one horse on that list is deceased and is therefore not available for adoption OR owner retrieval, and that is unfortunate. Perhaps the rest are now ready to be adopted out or reclaimed by their owners, and that is some positive news.
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Jenny
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The point is Why would she post this????
If anyone should or would be posting when the horses are available for adoption it would be the FL SPCA. Not her, she gave up all rights to any of those horses when she plead guilty!!!!
So why come on here and cause an uproar with the people who are obviously upset and very angry, the very people who she abused their horses. It make absolutely no sense!!!!!
If she was talking about seized horses then she would have included another 40+ names to that list. I really do not think that is what she meant at all. Why would she just leave those ones off the list, for no specific reason? I don't think so.
Either way she has again seemed to have poured salt on an open a wound!!!
If anyone should or would be posting when the horses are available for adoption it would be the FL SPCA. Not her, she gave up all rights to any of those horses when she plead guilty!!!!
So why come on here and cause an uproar with the people who are obviously upset and very angry, the very people who she abused their horses. It make absolutely no sense!!!!!
If she was talking about seized horses then she would have included another 40+ names to that list. I really do not think that is what she meant at all. Why would she just leave those ones off the list, for no specific reason? I don't think so.
Either way she has again seemed to have poured salt on an open a wound!!!