By Marcela Creps- Herald-Times
331-4375 | mcreps@heraldt.com
2/19/2009

A local couple entered not guilty pleas in Monroe County court this week on charges of animal cruelty.
Lori A. Sheese, 42, and Michael I. Easterday, 44, each face a charge of cruelty to an animal.

An investigation into the couple began on Jan. 2 by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. On that day, Deputy Randy Jacobs and Animal Control Officer Jessica Niver went to 9827 W. Wolf Mount Road regarding a dead horse which police found was an 8-10 months old colt.

While at the residence, police found several dead animals and several more animals not being cared for properly. A goat was found in a horse trailer lying on its side with its legs extended and stiff and its neck drawn back towards its tail. The goat was covered in feces and urine as well as open wounds. Police said there was no food and the water was frozen. The goat was euthanized.

In a fenced-in area of the property, a dead goat was found. There, police also found two other horses that were thin with visible ribs. The water available to the horses was frozen, police said.
In a nearby pen, another horse was found with its water trough empty except for feces. In a pasture, police found a donkey and 10 horses.

Althoughthese horses appeared to be in good shape, their water was also frozen.
Police also found a female Saint Bernard chained to a dog house. The dog had given birth to 10 to 12 puppies but only two survived. Police said the owners didn't know how the other puppies died. No water was available to the dogs, police said.

Two more dogs were found to be underweight with visible ribs. Neither had food, water or bedding.
Also found in the area was a goat skeleton and several chicken bones and feathers. The owners said the goat had become ill last summer. Police said the owners believed the chicken remains were from a hen they believed was still alive.

When police returned on Jan. 9, the owners had buried the animal carcasses. According to Sheese, five horses, three dogs and two puppies were given to family or friends. Two horses were being moved to a family member's home. Remaining at the home were eight horses, a donkey, two roosters and a dog.

Charges were filed against Sheese and Easterday. In their initial court appearance, both pled not guilty. Both are scheduled to appear for pre-trial conferences on April 2.