51-Year-old Riverton Resident Faced 10 Counts of Animal Cruelty Charges Against Her With Dozens of Animals Rescued

Kathy Wright, a 51-year-old resident of Riverton, has pleaded not guilty to all 10 counts of animal cruelty charges brought against her, and a March 1 scheduling conference has been scheduled with further trial dates.

Animals taken in Riverton due to animal maltreatment

(Photo : Clint Patterson/ via Unsplash)

Having control and custody of any animals while displaying extreme disregard for their health, safety, or lives, as well as failing to give them food, water, or weather protection appropriate for their species, constitutes animal cruelty in Wyoming, resulting in a misdemeanor offense, as per Oil City News.

The Fremont County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) was attempting to get in touch with Wright on December 7, 2022, at her Riverton home when the first deputy on the scene discovered several dead goats in pens, a horse that required immediate medical attention, and other animals that were described as being extremely thin and emaciated, according to court documents.

When the lieutenant realized Wright wasn't at home, they examined the other cages' conditions and found other animals on the property that were either dead or in various stages of decomposition, as well as more.

After doing an emergency evaluation of the animals, a nearby veterinarian gave his or her advice, warning that giving the animals too much food or alfalfa could result in their death.

Only three bales of hay were discovered on the land, not enough to feed all the animals despite the reduced amount of food, so the lieutenant had to retrieve seven additional bales from their own farm.

Due to the hour, it was determined to make sure the animals had enough food and water, and transportation would be set up for the following day.

Wright further asserted that she intended to get more hay that evening and that she'd be able to move the horse in its worst condition to a nearby barn, but that FCSO later advised her not to do so because of the ongoing investigation and that they had taken care of feeding and watering the animals.

Court filings went on to indicate that the FCSO has a long history of dealing with Wright over animal abuse accusations, with the same lieutenant coming to Wright's property on multiple occasions, noticing skinny and ill animals each time.

Also Read: Grieving After Death of Pets Should be Respected and Taken Seriously, Says Expert

Always give basic necessities for animals

Start being a responsible pet owner by providing your pet with the attention they require.

When adopting a pet, it's critical to realize that you're making a lifetime commitment to a furry family member whose health and well-being depend on you, as per The Animal Foundation.

Pets require wholesome food and need food that satisfies their unique nutritional requirements, just like people do.

Pets should receive the appropriate amount of food, too.

Overfeeding or providing your pet too many goodies can lead to obesity, which can lead to extra health problems, like heart disease and kidney problems.

Consider your selections carefully while choosing pet food to prevent these diseases.

Give your animals clean water to drink at all times.

All animals in your care should always have access to a clean, fresh dish of water.

Place it nearby their meal bowl to make it more convenient, and don't forget to replenish your pet's water dish at least twice daily.

Proper pet care includes giving animals a safe, cozy place to live.

Due to the need for protection from excessive heat and cold as well as other adverse weather conditions, pets shouldn't really be expected to live totally outside.