Effective January 1,2011, Ernest Paragallo will be denied all privileges of The American Stud Book. The Jockey Club's Board of Stewards voted to deny Paragallo privileges based upon information received by The Jockey Club's Registrar which included the judgment of March 10 in Superior Court of theState of New York, County of Greene, The People of the State of New York vs. Ernest G Paragallo pursuant to acts of cruelty to horses.
According to the Principal Rules and Requirements of The American Stud Book, acts of animal cruelty to horses are grounds to deny all privileges to register foals or to submit documents related to foal registry. Any foals that are registered prior to January 1, 2011 will still be permitted to be registered.
On April 9,2009 Paragallo's farm was raided by State Police, and 177 horses suffering in various phases of malnutrition were discovered. Police were led to the Hudson Valley farm in Coxsackie following the discovery of starving thoroughbreds purchased by Donald Nickerson, a "kill buyer" in upstate New York. Transporter Richie Baiardi testified in court that he had more than 20 of the horses from Paragallo's farm at the end of February with the intention of taking them to Florida, but they were " bags of bones," and would not have survived the trip. Instead he sold the horses to Nickerson for under $700. Nickerson testified the horses arrived in such "horrific" condition he could not ship them to slaughter in Canada. One horse was dead on arrival, and four others died a short time later.
Lisa Leogrande purchased two of Nickerson's horses and notified a local Pennsylvania horse rescue Another Chance 4 Horses who purchased four more of the starving and lice-infected horses in order to rehabilitate them. Christy Sheidy, co-founder of the horse rescue subsequently supplied authorities with the necessary information for the raid and seizure. Of the four horses Sheidy rehabilitated, only one remains at the rescue awaiting adoption.
Director, Ron Perez of the Columbia Greene Humane Society cared for 82 of the horses and helped with the adoptions of dozens more. He called Paragallo's farm a horse "concentration farm."
In 1966, the Paragallo family owned Paraneck Stables which had been a top racing establishment starting 4,686 runners who earned $20.6 million in purses. Paragallo also owns half of the stallion Unbridled's Song who commands $125,000 stud fees in Kentucky.
In May Paragallo was found guilty of 33 of 34 counts of animal cruelty and was fined and sentenced to serve two years in jail. He was released in June on his original $10,000 bail pending an appeal.
As a result of Paragallo's egregious treatment of his horses, the Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund has instituted more stringent inspection standards for the 400 participating farms.
Comments
Can this article be revised so that it's factual? A New York organization, Equine Rescue Resource Inc., removed 2 horses from Paragallo's farm on Saturday, April 4, 2009, Good Will Hunter and Hunters Circle. It was the appearance of these 2 neglected horses at state police barracks, along with the only official complaint in writing with the state police, that the search and seizure warrants were based. The raid occurred on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 as a direct result of the actions of 2 volunteers from Equine Rescue Resource Inc. who personally went to Centerbook Farm, directly removed those 2 horses and physically presented those 2 horses to the authorities.
Worse than a puppy mill. Most of the horses who end up in slaughterhouses are Thoroughbreds, aren't they? It's about time! Keep the spotlight on them Cheryl!
Great article Cheryl. I actually was at the courthouse when Christy testified and she was excellent. I am so glad these horses were finally rescued, and great that Paragallo is out of the breeding business for racing. I hope it is forever.
Actually you are wrong. The investigation started when Paragallo's hauler and the horses were found at the KB's farm. It was brought out in court. Dozens of other articles and sources state the same thing. I think a round of applause applies to everyone.
Thank you to ALL who had a hand in rescuing these horses. I hope his punishment sticks.
That picture is just heartbreaking, and to think a famous, rich horse owner wouldn't care about the health of his horses. I read that he stated he wanted his horses kept thin for racing purposes. Oh how this man should have been starved and neglected like his horses. That video showing the lice and the horrid condition and the picture above, how could Paragallo not get down on his knees and pray to God that he will make amends for all the misery he has caused to these innocent animals
Any rescue organization that has to come here and whine because their name isn't mentioned doesn't say much about the rescue organization. Shame on you. Congratulations to Greene County for making an example out of a terrible person for neglecting and starving such innocent animals and thank everyone who has played a constructive and positive part in this rescue.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!