Tuesday, August 4, 2009

West Haverstraw man refuses to pay vet bill for seized animals

BY AKIKO MATSUDA

WEST HAVERSTRAW - A West Haverstraw man who was convicted of animal cruelty is rejecting a request from the prosecutor that he pay $17,000 to the veterinarian who cared for his animals seized from his home.

After a weeklong trial before West Haverstraw village Justice Kevin Russo, Robert Everle, 60, was found guilty of the 13 misdemeanor charges.

Everle faces a maximum of two years in jail, a loss of his animals and financial penalties when sentenced at 2:30 p.m. August 11.

Everle was arrested about a year ago after authorities raided his property at 48 and 50 N. Wayne Avenue, where Everle kept more than 100 animals, including rabbits, puppies, kittens, sheep, rams, pigeons and ducks.

Prosecutor Anthony Dellicarri recently sent a letter to Richard Novick, the attorney representing Everle, stating that at Everle's sentencing, he would be requesting the judge order Everle to pay $17,000 in restitution to The Vet at The Barn, who took care of Everle's animals after they were seized.

Dellicarri suggested in the letter that if Everle started paying the bill, his sentence could be mitigated.

Everle said his animals were illegally seized so that he was not responsible for the bill..." More