A Burke County woman is facing charges after 88 animals, including dozens of miniture horses and chickens, were rescued from two different properties, authorities said.
What You Need To Know
Eighty-eight animals were taken from two properties after being neglected
Julie Sherrill, 54, was arrested on Jan. 22 in connection with 23 counts of animal cruelty
It will take an estimated $21,000 to restore the health of all the animals, according to police
Burke County Police Department arrested Julie Sherrill in connection with 23 counts of animal cruelty Sunday, Jan. 22.
On Wednesday, Jan. 18, Burke County Animal Services took 32 miniature horses and 39 chickens from two properties belonging to Sherrill. Search warrants were issued on Jan. 19 and Jan. 20, with an additional 17 neglected horses discovered, according to Burle County authorities.
Eight of the 17 horses were covered in cockleburs, six horses had a body condition score of three or less, one horse had a body score condition of four and the other one scored a five, officers said.
The remaining nine horses were being cared for at a different location by a good Samaritan, who had not heard from the horses' owner since November 2022, and was paying out-of-pocket to care from them, police said.
The horses were taken to prevent owner reclamation and possible abuse, and Sherrill was released after paying a $2,500 bond, but additional charges are pending, authorities said.
Animal services estimates the cost to restore the animal’s health to be $410 per horse and $20 per chicken, or almost a total of $21,000.
Donations for the animal’s medical care are being accepted by the Animal Services Foundation, Inc. To foster or adopt, complete an interest form on the Burke County website and for volunteer opportunities email Animal Services at animalservices@burkenc.org to learn more.