CATSKILL, New York – Three equines were recently rescued from the former Friar Tuck Inn and Resort and are currently receiving treatment and rehabilitation at a horse farm in Hannacroix. The Columbia-Greene Humane Society in Hudson assisted the New York State Police in the seizure and removal of a donkey, horse, and miniature horse from the location on Dec. 4.
The caretaker, identified as Li Binghui, 57, was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals under the state Agriculture and Markets Law. According to the Humane Society, all three animals were dehydrated and undernourished. The donkey, named Donny, sustained a cut on its neck and another laceration to its hoof’s “coronary band.”
The owner and operator of Oats’ Country Acres, Camille McDonald, declined to comment on the current condition of the three equines Tuesday, referring calls to the state police or Humane Society. State police learned about the three animals from a complaint in November, and the donkey was the first to be seized and brought to Oats. The Humane Society waited for police to remove the two horses before issuing a public statement.
The case is under litigation, and the property is owned by a downstate real estate company. According to the Greene County Real Property Tax Service website, the owner, 4880 Route Group Inc., purchased the property for $2.5 million in April 2020. Li surrendered the equines without incident and has cooperated with the police investigation.
If convicted, Li could face up to a year in jail, according to the Agriculture and Markets Law. The Humane Society is asking for donations to help with the cost of the rehabilitation and veterinary charges involving the seizure. Contributions may be mailed to CGHS/SPCA, Attn: Equine Cruelty, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson, NY 12534, or contribute through the website at cghs.org.
In conclusion, the Columbia-Greene Humane Society has stepped in to assist the New York State Police in the rescue and rehabilitation of three maltreated equines from a property in Catskill, New York. The caretaker has been arrested and charged, and the animals are on their way to making a full recovery under the care of a local horse farm.