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CAIRO—More than a dozen horses continue to recover after an alleged neglect and animal cruelty case at a Cairo farm was reported, according to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society.

The organization and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) were alerted to an alleged animal cruelty case and were able to save 13 horses from starvation, according to the Humane Society.

The horses are currently undergoing treatment and receiving nutrition and medical care.

Last month, CGHS/SPCA cruelty investigators were contacted by a witness who reported that horses located at Kirwin Road in Cairo were not being fed or receiving water, and that it had been going on for months, according to the humane society.

CGHS/SPCA investigators responded and found 13 horses “on the brink of death,” according to the organization. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office was contacted immediately.

The investigation found there was insufficient hay, grain, and other supplements for the horses. The hay that was present contained mold, which is not appropriate for horse consumption. The small amount of grain that was being fed to the horses was insufficient, according to the organization. The more dominant horses were eating the majority of the food that was available, leaving the older, submissive equines without any nutrition.  

On Friday, May 17, CGHS/SPCA brought in a cruelty medical team to assess the horses, treat any medical conditions, and develop a proper feeding regimen. The team consisted of three veterinarians, three veterinary technicians, and CGHS/SPCA investigators and staff.

The horses were assessed using the Henneke system, which measures the amount of fat and overall condition of the horses. This system utilizes a number scoring system of 1-9, with 1 being “very thin or emaciated” and 9 being “obese.” After the examinations, the veterinarians found 10 of the horses to be 1 or below (extreme emaciation). In addition, it was discovered that all the horses’ feet were in desperate need of farrier care (trimming).  

Farm manager Skylar Nolan, 25, of Cairo, and farm owner Vincent Melapioni, Jr., 59, of Staten Island, were arrested on charges of animal cruelty. Each was charged with multiple offenses under NY Agriculture and Markets Law Article 26 (Cruelty to Animals), Section 353 (failure to provide proper sustenance). These charges are class A misdemeanors that can each carry up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

“This is one of the most appalling horse cruelty cases that CGHS/SPCA has ever been involved in,” said Ron Perez, president/CEO and investigator for the Columbia-Greene Humane Society. “It’s a miracle that these horses survived. There’s simply no excuse for this act of cruelty, and if convicted, these people should never be able to own animals again.”

“We would like to thank Sheriff Pete Kusminsky, Captain Tracy Quinn, and Investigator Charles Cole of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office for the exemplary job they did in investigating and charging the people responsible for the condition of the horses,” Perez added.

The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA provided proper hay, grain, mineral licks, and necessary medical attention for all the horses.

Anyone wishing to donate to help the Cairo Horses can mail contributions to: CGHS/SPCA, Attention: Cairo Horse Cruelty, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson, NY, 12534 or via their website at cghs.org.