Animal Cruelty Citations Issued in Horse Abuse Case

But how did paint markings get on the horse?

Photo from Penn Vet New Bolton Center Facebook page.

Photo from Penn Vet New Bolton Center Facebook page.

A Rhode Island man has been accused of animal cruelty in the case of an injured horse found in Lancaster County, covered in paint markings.

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that Phillip S. Price, 65, was charged with five summary citations in the case — three counts of animal cruelty, a single count of dealing and handling animals without a license, and a single count of importing animals without an interstate health certificate.

The horse was “very thin and blind” when she was discovered by animal welfare officials. Veterinarians who treated her — her name is Lily, and she’s being cared for at Penn’s New Bolton Center veterinary clinic in Kennett Square — said that she had been shot 130 times with a paintball gun. Price told Rhode Island’s WJAR, however, that the paint markings came from children using face paint. Prosecutors said Wednesday the investigation continues on that issue.

“The three cruelty charges regard Price’s neglect of Lily, the transport of the horse, and her being offered for sale,” the D.A.’s office said in its announcement. Each citation carries a possible penalty of up to $300, plus court costs and possible restitution for Lily’s care.

Her doctors say Lily is making progress:

Great news about Lily! All the tests for infectious disease conducted Monday have come back negative! Lily, the rescue…

Posted by Penn Vet New Bolton Center on Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Lancaster County SPCA investigated the case.