Horses from animal abuse case up for adoption

Lafayette Co. man faces multiple counts of animal neglect charges

DARLINGTON, Wis. — One horse has died and 13 others are up for adoption after being seized from a property in the town of Wiota in February, according to a release from the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office.

On Feb. 20, deputies seized 12 horses from Sean LeGault’s home after a veterinarian determined they were underfed.

The horses became the property of the sheriff’s office after LeGault did not pay the required fee to get them back, deputies said. LeGault has been charged with multiple counts of animal neglect. The county is also pursuing a civil court against him.

As a result of the civil case, LeGault could have gotten four of the horses back, but was required to pay $6,000 for their care in the event that the condition of the horses was later found to have declined while they were in his care, officials said. But LeGault chose not to deposit the money, so he lost all rights to the ownership of the all of the horses.

Since February, one of the horses was unable to recover from the suspected neglect and it died, according to the release. Two other horses delivered newborn foals, so 13 horses are available for adoption.

According to the release, the two foals need to remain with their mothers, and all of the adult horses have received vaccinations.

Anyone interested in buying any of the horses should contact Lafayette County Sheriff Scott Pedley to view them by appointment, officials said. Written bids for each horse being sold will be accepted until Aug. 6 at the sheriff’s office. A background check of all persons interested in buying any of the horses will be completed to ensure the horses will be going to good homes.

Sheriff’s officials said they are selling the horses in an attempt to recover some of the approximately $17,000 in expenses they have incurred so far.

The sheriff can be reached at 608-776-4870, scott.pedley@lafayettecountywi.org, or at P.O. Box 148 Darlington, WI 53530.