Edward J. Madlin of Mechanicville, New York, was charged with 12 counts of failing to provide proper sustenance to animals after authorities discovered severe neglect at a property in Schaghticoke. Investigators found 11 horses and one cow living in unsanitary conditions, including horses trapped on manure piles up to six feet high, with inadequate food, water, and medical care. The animals were rescued with the help of local fire departments and placed with multiple rescue organizations.

The case sparked public outrage, leading to a Change.org petition demanding harsher penalties such as felony animal cruelty charges, a lifetime ban on owning animals, and denial of future racing licenses for Madlin, whose harness racing licenses expired in 2021. The United States Trotting Association donated $10,000 to assist with the horses’ care and indicated it would not favor Madlin’s future license applications. Madlin was arrested and is scheduled to appear in court on April 13.