Ernest Paragallo

*yawns* It's been a long weekend...

Been catching up on the weekend's stakes races this morning. Very disappointed to hear that Kiddari didn't win the Lake Placid. I couldn't actually watch it because my computer acts up every time I try. I caught the Iselin though where a very impressive Chirac romped home with a 12-1 upset. Coal Play failed to fire. Wonder if he didn't like the slop... Careless Jewel's 10-length win in the Alabama gave me goosebumps. Very beautiful filly right there. She might've even given Rachel a run for her money (I didn't just say that.) I've got two more stakes races to watch this afternoon: the Del Mar Oaks and the Sky Classic. I was very glad to hear that Rachel's heading for the Woodward and Mine That Bird is back in training after his surgery.

Spent some time catching up on the cases. Not much on Lee, not that I expected there to be since the next court date isn't until September 16th. How long has this been going on for again? Nothing on Key either, but I'll keep watching. Nothing on Ziniuk either. (Haven't talked about him yet, but trust me, we will.)

And that brings us to today's topic which has to do with both horse racing and animal abuse: Ernest Paragallo.

For those of you that don't know, Paragallo is a thoroughbred racehorse breeder that's fairly well known. He bred Unbridled's Song and Artax, both major stakes winners.

Thoroughbred owner Paragallo pleads not guilty to neglect charges

Paragallo arraigned as officials revisit Center Brook

Happy ending for Baby Girl, one of the horses rescued

On April 8th, 177 emaciated Thoroughbreds were found on his property. Over seventy of these remain at Center Brook, while the rest were rescued. Three of the horses had to be euthanized and many of them had injuries that required attention. Paragallo remains free on bail and could face up to two years in jail and a fine of $35,000. At the time of the raid, Paragallo said he hadn't been to the farm in nine or ten months. He denies abusing the animals.

Now what I think about this whole thing... *deep breath* Well, first of all, there should be a lot more than 35 counts of animal cruelty. There were 177 horses starving on his farm! Whether or not he's actually been there in the last ten months is not the point. These horses were still his responsibility and unless he'd hired someone to take care of them, that's abandonment. If he has hired someone to take care of them than that person needs to share in this punishment because they're also at fault.

Second of all, he ought to pay for the vet, feed, farrier, and whatever other bills the horses have. I bet all that adds up to a lot more than $35,000 and someone has to pay it. Though I hear that a large number of the horses have already been adopted out, I'm sure there are a lot of bills for the new owners and the rescuers to pay. He's at fault there too since he should've been paying for their care in the first place.

If the case goes to trial (If?!) then court proceedings are not likely to begin until late winter or early next spring.