Bayville woman accused of cruelty gives up horses

By Susana Enriquez

May 28, 2008

Amid streaming tears, the Bayville woman who was charged with abusing a horse and a pony voluntarily gave them up Tuesday in Glen Cove City Court.

Kelly Pfeifer, 44, had owned the animals - a thoroughbred horse named Kava and a pony named Star - for six years before they were seized last month by the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Pfeifer had to decide whether to give up the horses or fight to keep them.

She still faces a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or up to one year in jail on a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge. She also must pay the county about $4,500 for caring for the animals.

"The best interest of the horses was paramount," said Pfeifer's attorney, Steven Morelli, of Carle Place.

"It's sad, but it's time for the horses to go where they can be enjoyed by other people."

During several visits to a property in Glen Cove where the horses were kept, SPCA officers found that they were emaciated, without food, water and salt, and housed in stalls with more than two feet of manure, court records show.

"Our objective was that the animals be turned over. We were successful," said Eileen Goggin, a Mineola-based lawyer for the SPCA.

Since being seized, the horses have gained weight and been treated for anemia, worms and parasites.

"They're thriving," Goggin said.

The pony's teeth, which had been neglected and were preventing her from chewing, are still being fixed, said SPCA Capt. Stanley Feinman.

Once the horses have recovered completely, they will be available for adoption. Because Kava and Star had been stable mates for about four years, they will be placed together.

"They've been through a lot together," Goggin said. "They need to stay together."

On Thursday, SPCA officials also checked on Pfeifer's three dogs and found they were in good condition, Feinman said.

Pfeifer is due back in court June 10.

(Reprint courtesy of Newsday.com)