State agriculture authorities say they have seized 32 horses and other animals suffering malnourishment and alleged cruelty at the hands of an East Hampton breeder.
The state Department of Agriculture said Wednesday the seizures were part of an ongoing investigation by town and state authorities into breeders Thomas and Melanie Olajos’ treatment of the animals.
The horses, along with two dogs, several rabbits and more than 80 chickens, were removed from the Fairy Tail Equine facility after an investigation determined the animals were malnourished, not receiving proper veterinary care and kept in unhealthy conditions, ag officials said.
The horses were taken under a search-and-seizure warrant signed by a state judge and brought to the ag department’s Second Chance large animal rehabilitation facility in Niantic, where they will be cared for as the investigation continues.
The Olajos own the Daniel Street facility, where they breed Friesian, Andalusian, and Gypsy Vanner horses, authorities said. The Olajos could not be immediately reached Wednesday for comment.
According to investigators, East Hampton’s animal control officer last September first detected signs of malnourishment among horses in the Olajos’ care. Despite that and subsequent visits by the town, and later the state, the Olajos allegedly failed to heed specific instructions for the animals’ care and feeding.
The dogs, chickens and rabbits were taken to municipal animal shelters in nearby towns, authorities said.
Meantime, the ag agency said its investigation will determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
