DOUGLASSVILLE >> A Douglassville woman was ordered to pay $900 in fines after being found guilty of six counts of animal cruelty. Four horses were found dead on her property in March.
According to court documents, Carole Scarito, 71, was arrested March 12 by Animal Control officers. The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced that Scarito was charged with six counts of failure to provide veterinary care and lack of food for horses.
Scarito was tried at Berks County Municipal Court, where the PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team and a forensics veterinarian testified, describing the lack of care and poor living conditions that led to the death of the emaciated horses.
A fifth horse was removed from the property, also in poor health, and received medical treatment from the PSPCA in Danville, Montour County. According to the PSPCA, Scarito signed over custody of the horse, named Nellie, who was later adopted.
“The PSPCA is pleased that Ms. Scarito has been found guilty for her actions and that these animals have found justice. As a result of our work, Nellie has regained her health and was placed in a loving, permanent home,” said Pennsylvania SPCA CEO Jerry Buckley in a press release.
Scarito was not prohibited from owning animals in the future, according to the release.
