On Wednesday morning, April 27, 2022, Sara L. Kelly (51) of Eddyville appeared in Lyon District Court for a Pretrial Conference. Following an investigation in early 2021 by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office into an animal abuse/cruelty complaint, multiple horses were seized from Kelly’s property, and several were found in poor condition or deceased.
Kelly was charged on March 12, 2021, with sixteen (16) counts of Cruelty to Animals in the 2nd Degree. In today’s court proceedings, Kelly entered a guilty plea to all sixteen (16) counts. She was fined $1,600.00 and sentenced to 12 months in jail, with fifteen (15) days to be served and the balance probated for two (2) years or until restitution is paid in full, whichever is longer, and upon the following terms and conditions:
1. Not to commit or be charged with another offense.
2. Pay all fines and costs of the court proceedings.
3. Pay any/all jail fees.
4. Pay restitution in the amount of $39,513.25 (vet care, feed, etc. for seized horses) / $1,646.38 per month until paid off.
5. Forfeit all animals seized, and never to be returned.
6. Not to own or possess a horse or horses.
The case was prosecuted by Lyon County Attorney Lee Wilson and was investigated by Chief Deputy Sam Adams. Deputy Adams was assisted by A & A Horse Haven in Boaz, KY, Eddyville Fire Department, Lyon County Cooperative Extension Service, Murray State University, and Williams Veterinary Clinic.
Sheriff Brent White