PRESS RELEASE, 10 October 2008

Update in regard to large horse seizure by Finger Lakes SPCA Inc. (in Steuben County) from Middle Creek/Norcrest Farm (Geraldine Trupia, Operator):

It has been six weeks since Officer Scott Mazzo (Animal Cruelty Investigator for the Finger Lakes SPCA, Inc. (F.L.SPCA)) with the assistance of the District Attorney’s Office initiated the seizure of 85 severely neglected horses from 4512 County Route 82 in the town of Troupsburg, New York. Eighty of the horses rescued were able to be placed immediately into SPCA foster care homes to begin their recovery and receive nourishing food, fresh water and long overdue medical and farrier care (not to mention TLC). Sadly, humane euthanasia was the only kindness we could offer four of the horses with severe pain and suffering on the first day of rescue. Additionally, a fifth horse was DOA.

The operator (Geraldine Trupia) of the aforementioned farm plead guilty to misdemeanor animal cruelty charges October 1^st, 2008 in Troupsburg Town Court. Formal sentencing has been slated for November in the same court. The case still remains open with the ongoing investigation. Others may face charges in connection with this case.

All horses are receiving medical care under the auspices of eight veterinary practices/veterinarians. Due to the level of neglect and starvation for the vast majority of these horses, continuing veterinary care has been and will be ongoing for some time. Many of the horses have a long way to go to be returned to happy, healthy animals again.

However, foster care and medical reports document vast improvement in the overall health of the majority of these animals. Horses that could once barely walk or lift their heads and had almost given up on life are now showing increased energy levels and a will to live. Some of these same horses are even trotting about in their pasture and whinnying with happiness and delight at the sight of their foster care provider. Foals once weak and emaciated are now frisking about in their pens. Horses that were once skeletal and underweight are now gaining weight – and are showing a marked difference in the appearance since the day of their rescue.

One such horse (Sharp Gal) was reunited with her owner – Virginia Stack (from PA) this week. Please refer to attached photos. Sharp Gal had a very low body condition score and was almost too weak to stand six weeks ago, but thanks to the dedication of her foster care provider (Dawn Wragg of Corning, N.Y.), veterinary care, the SPCA with the support of many volunteer rescuers and donors – she is on the mend - feeling and looking much better (as her photo demonstrates). Attached please also find pictures of Sharp Gal before she was placed at Middle Creek/Norcrest Farm, upon her rescue, and a short time before her release.

Since their rescue and placement into foster care, four more horses have perished (all under veterinary care & all with very poor body condition scores upon rescue). Currently, we have 75 horses in foster care.

The SPCA anticipates the release of other horses to owners in the upcoming weeks pending proof of ownership verification and horses being cleared for travel by an attending veterinarian. SPCA officials ask any persons who had horse breeding and/or boarding agreement with Geraldine Trupia to contact the Finger Lakes SPCA, Inc. by calling 607-776-3039 so their inquiries can be processed in a timely manner. Proof of legal ownership is necessary to redeem horses (bill of sale in addition to other paperwork may be required to assure proper identification of horse and rightful ownership).

We cannot thank the donors & volunteers (particularly foster care providers) enough for helping to support the care of these needy horses. We want donors to know that whether your donation was large or small – the horses and volunteers and staff at the Finger Lakes SPCA appreciate it. We, and these horses, still have a long way to go. We believe months of care still lie ahead for many of these horses who will not be redeemed and while investigation continues & ownership interests are determined. The outpouring of concern and generosity of so many on behalf of these starved animals is nothing short of admirable and inspiring. However, continuing monetary support, in-kind services & item donations are still needed, as horse care expenses already paid and coming due in the upcoming month is expected to exceed current pledges and contributions.

The horses will continue to be looked after under the auspices of the SPCA while the case is further investigated. It is still unclear exactly how many horses belonged to the operator of this farm versus other owners who had breeding/boarding agreements with the operator. Currently, it is our belief that the majority of the horses were owned by Geraldine Trupia. The horses are not subject to return to Ms. Trupia or anyone who knew or should have known of the unlawful act.

We would also like to give special thanks to the Hornell Area Humane Society and student and staff volunteers from Alfred State College for all their volunteer efforts and support on both days of the rescue and continuing assistance and support with foster care, fund-raising, etc. Subsequent press release to follow detailing the participation of various other agencies involved in supporting this large equine protection effort.

Prepared by: Vicki S. Mogrove, Executive Director

10/10/2008

Current Donation Needs

Expenses for the rescue and the care of the horses in the first month are anticipated to reach $20,000. Donations to help support the care of these horses are desperately needed. The Finger Lakes SPCA, Inc. asks people interested in helping to go to their website (www.fingerlakesspca.org) to make a gift or to mail a check directly (Finger Lakes SPCA, Inc.-7315 State Route 54, Bath, NY 14810). Donations of items such as salt & mineral licks, wormer, feed tubs, and hay (see website for more comprehensive list) may be donated as well. Please call 607-776-3039 to arrange.

Financial Contributions Needed Most For Impending Medical Bills & Grain Purchase Hay

Other Needs