Here's What's Hot On CBS11TV.COM:
Oct 7, 2009 4:51 pm US/Central
Community Rallies Around Seized Animals' Owners
By John Knicely
SUNNYVALE (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
A day after
hundreds of head of livestock were seized from Kearney's Store in Sunnyvale, some in the community are rallying to get the animals back. The SPCA says the animals were abused, but the Kearney family and their supporters say those claims are unsubstantiated.
The SPCA hauled off 400 horses, cows, chickens and other animals on Tuesday after obtaining a warrant to seize all the animals on the property. The SPCA sayd it had been getting complaints about the store since 2005.
On Tuesday well-respected businessman and former Sunnyvale City Councilman Earnest Kearney was arrested for cruelty to animals.
"Never been in a jail in my whole life," Kearney said on Wednesday. "That was a new experience for an old man."
The SPCA and Dallas County Constables wouldn't allow us to see the conditions they called "deplorable" at the Kearney property. But they took their own photos, which they have posted
here. The SPCA says the calf shown in the photos was emaciated.
But Jay Leyhe, a farmer from Terrell, says the calf has a common condition called scours where it rejects its mothers milk and becomes malnourished. "The man (Kearney) has saved hundreds of animals like that," Leyhe said. "That's how they're sold, inexpensively because they are in bad shape. And (Kearney) gets them and brings them back."
Veterinarians say calf scours is caused by infectious organisms such as viruses and bacteria. It can lead to severe dehydration.
Kearney and other farmers at his store on Wednesday say the picture the SPCA took of a rooster missing its feathers shows a common sight. They say the roosters fight with each other and pluck one another's feathers.
The family says some of the issues the SPCA has with their animals aren't issues at all. The SPCA veterinary report from the animal seizure listed sheep having problems with long wool. The Kearneys say the sheep are supposed to have long wool this time of year.
The University of Massachusetts says spring is the most common time of year for shearing sheep, but it may be done at any time.
Kearney says he has had offers to buy his place, and he believes politics are behind having his animals taken. "They push us out to make you sell," he said.
Scott Campbell, Sunnyvale Town Manager, says the city has no plans for the Kearney property. He says the city council has not given any directions regarding the property either.
Those rallying behind the Kearneys are still convinced something is up. "I respect the SPCA, but I feel this has more to do with economic development," said Deborah Franklin, who used to volunteer in animal rescue.
She and several others plan to join the Kearney family in court next Thursday to fight for custody of the animals. "I grew up on a farm and still live on a farm," she said. "These are not mistreated animals at all."
Susan Fowler, who once worked at Kearney's store, will be there too. "If the judge will allow, we'll be glad to give testimony to the fact that they are excellent care givers," she said.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
CBS Mobile Launches Local News iPhone Apps
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments