Oct 15, 2009 4:45 pm US/Central
Community Rallies Around Seized Animals' Owners
By Arezow Doost
GARLAND (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
A North Texas community is rallying behind one of its own.
The Kearney family of Sunnyvale was in court in Garland Thursday, fighting to get their seized animals back.
Earnest Kearney was arrested for cruelty to animals last week.
Nearly 400 horses, cows, chickens and other animals were
hauled off from his store on October 6.
The Society for the Protection of Animals says the animals were abused.
Dozens of supporters, many of whom are regulars at the family's store in Sunnyvale, packed the courtroom Thursday.
"Mr. Kearney has been a lifelong friend of mine and I have been here to support him," said Ronnie Lewis.
Kathy Lovelace, another supporter, said, "He took care of his animals. His workers took care of his animals."
"Our family is united in the fact that we have not done anything wrong," said Janet Kearney.
At the custody hearing, investigators listed what they said were problem after problem found on the property.
"The conditions of some of the pens were such where horses were walking in deep fecal matter," explained one constable who went to the scene.
Supporters of the Kearneys, many of whom are former customers, say the SPCA's accusations are not true and not fair.
"They don't really know the life on a farm," Lovelace said.
The animals will remain in SPCA's custody until the judge makes a ruling. The hearing will continue on October 23 in Garland.
The Kearneys' supporters say you can count on them being in court next week.
A spokesperson with SPCA said the group will not comment until the hearing is over.
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