Orleans County Woman Convicted in Case Involving Neglected Horses

Fairport, N.Y. (November 17, 2023) – Elaine Bute, a 69-year-old Carlton, NY resident, was sentenced in the case of 10 neglected horses. Bute pled to 1-year conditional discharge during which she cannot own horses. Further, she was ordered to pay restitution to Lollypop Farm for board and care of the horses involved in the case.

This resolution comes over a year after the horses were seized as part of an investigation on July 26, 2022. Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement officers were called to the property after Orleans County Animal Control received reports of horses being kept in poor conditions. Upon arrival, investigators discovered a Palomino horse standing on at least 2 feet of packed manure, thin, with overgrown hooves, making it difficult for the horse to bear weight and move around the stall.

Investigators obtained a warrant to search the property and found ten horses living in various areas on the property. Multiple horses were found covered in their own feces being kept in stalls full of manure and old straw. Several were thin, with severely overgrown hooves. In addition, there was not enough access to water. The horses were seized and brought to Lollypop Farm for immediate care.

“Cases like these can be difficult for our investigators and shelter care staff,” says Vice President for Humane Law Enforcement Reno DiDomenico. “While there is little comfort in that this person will not be able to hurt another horse for a time, it is demonstrative of the need for stronger laws and harsher consequences in the face of animal abuse and neglect.”

Many of the horses have since been adopted into loving homes, with one horse in foster care through the C.A.R.E. program, Compassionate Aid for Retired Equine which provides long-term foster care. Three were humanely euthanized due to untreatable medical reasons – two as a result of their neglect.

To report suspected animal cruelty, call the Lollypop Farm Animal Cruelty Hotline at (585) 223-6500 or 911 for immediate life-threatening situations.

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About Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester
Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm is committed to creating a just and compassionate world for all animals. Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With a main campus located in Fairport and three other adoption centers throughout the community, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent nonprofit organization supported through donations and program fees. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org.

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Media Contact:
Nikkie Wargo-Catallo
(585) 223-1330 x271
email