A settlement has been reached in an animal cruelty case that resulted in the seizure of almost 30 animals from a Columbus Township farm a month ago.
According to Warren County Humane Society Executive Director Karen Kolos, Darcy Durlin pleaded guilty to four summary counts of cruelty to animals, and his sons, Travis and Jared, pleaded guilty to two counts each.
The original list of charges included 11 counts against Darcy Durlin and four counts each against Travis and Jared.
The Durlins have agreed to pay restitution in the case, Kolos said.
"In the best interest of the animals and the situation, the Durlins were very cooperative and agreed to a settlement," Kolos said.
According to Kolos, the charges arose from a combination of problems - "Failure to provide basic sustenance, water, and clean and sanitary living conditions," she said.
Ten cows, 13 horses, and six cats were seized from the farm on March 12.
The animals were checked and treated on a weekly basis by veterinarians Dr. Eric Twitchell of Erie County and Dr. Brook Imus of Russell Veterinary Hospital.
"The veterinarians have seen improvement in their weights," Kolos said. "They're very pleased."
The horses and cows have more weight to gain, she said.
"They're more active and alert," she said. "This is an ongoing thing. This takes a long time to get where they need to be."
In addition to many of the animals being emaciated, many had parasites, lice and mange, Kolos said.
"We've addressed all of those," she said.
Several horses had problems with their hooves. A farrier from Sherman, NY, treated those animals for a total of 10 hours during the first two days after the animals were seized, Kolos said, and the hooves are much improved.
The animals have been groomed. "We've been brushing them," Kolos said. "They like being brushed."
"We've spent six to seven hours a day caring for these animals," she said.
Kolos said the Humane Society is looking for permanent new homes for the animals.
"We've already placed the cows," Kolos said.
The horses are still at the Warren County Fairgrounds, where they were taken immediately after the seizure.
"One horse will be transported to the Allegheny River Ranch in Tidioute," Kolos said.
Anyone who is interested in adopting one of the horses is asked to contact the Humane Society at 726-1961.
The organization has already received some inquiries about providing new homes for horses.
Until permanent placements can be found, the Humane Society has found three foster homes for the horses.
"We're leaving the fairgrounds," Kolos said. "I hope to have everybody out of here by Saturday."
Kolos expressed her thanks to all of the individuals and groups who have helped house, treat, and care for the animals for the past month.
"We're very happy with the progress that we've made and the many wonderful people that have come forward with food and money," Kolos said. "I couldn't possibly thank everyone."
She said the level of contributions of time, effort, expertise, and money were "wonderful."
"We've logged over 500 volunteer hours in the past 34 days," Kolos said.
She said donors contributed 15 round bales and more than 400 square bales of hay to feed the animals. Special supplements have also been part of the diet of many animals.
"The Fair Board and staff have been outstanding," she said. "We couldn't have done it without them."
She said the facilities at the Fairgrounds will be thoroughly cleaned when all of the animals have been removed.
"We are cleaning and disinfecting all the barns at the fairgrounds," Kolos said.
Despite all the work of the last month, there is plenty more to do.
"We still are going to need some help," Kolos said.
"This was a huge undertaking," she said. "One that I hope we never have to go through again."