FILE — These two horses housed at the Barren River Lake State Resort Park were part of a group of ten seized from Turner Stables on Sept. 10, 2019.
(BARREN CO. TOURISM)
Editor’s Note: The group of horses seized in September 2019 included one that was already dead. It had been euthanized after being treated for a neurological condition. The Animal Clinic of Glasgow was overseeing the care of the horse.
By BRENNAN D. CRAIN, WCLU News
GLASGOW — Nine horses previously seized by the Barren County government are heading back to one of their original owners.
The Barren Fiscal Court declared the horses as surplus property on Tuesday. Ten horses were seized from Turner Stables at Barren River Lake State Resort Park on September 10, 2019, after animal control officers responded to a complaint detailing how the animals were abandoned. One had been euthanized due to its health just hours before animal control officers arrived at the scene.
The county took official ownership of the horses on Feb. 8, 2021, after a ruling in Barren District Court where one of the former owners agreed to forfeit them in a plea agreement.
Greg and Brittany Turner operated the stables, according to court records. They filed suit against the county government in June 2022 and alleged their horses were wrongfully seized – among other claims. That suit was dismissed in October 2022 after the judge determined many of the statutes of limitations had passed for the alleged torts.
Michael Hale, the former Barren County judge/executive, filed a lien against one of the horses he was housing at his personal farm. He has maintained possession against the “wishes of the court,” according to the order declaring the horses as surplus property.
Barren County Attorney Mike Richardson read the full order before the fiscal court on Tuesday.
“You guys probably aren’t going to hear from me too much, but I think this is one of those times when it’s appropriate,” Richardson said.
The order described how the horses will be transferred to Brittany Turner only. All suits and claims against Micheal Hale and the county will be dropped, including the request for an appeal of the first judgment issued by Circuit Judge John T. Alexander.
Marty Kinslow made the motion to declare the horses as surplus property. Brad Groce seconded the motion. All magistrates voted in support of the measure.
“I can assure you these magistrates and the judge/executive jumped on this immediately,” Richardson said.
Judge/Executive Jamie Byrd said she supported the measure and believed it is “in the best interest of the county.” It is unclear when the transfer of the horses will happen.
