An Eddyville woman charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty last year entered a guilty plea during a pretrial conference in Lyon County District Court Wednesday morning.
Lyon County Sheriff Brent White says 51-year old Sara L. Kelly appeared in court following an investigation in early 2021 into an animal abuse/cruelty complaint that led to multiple horses being seized from her property. The sheriff’s office reported several of the horses were found in poor condition or deceased. Kelly was charged on March 16, 2021, with 16 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals.
During Wednesday’s court proceedings, Sheriff White indicates Kelly entered a guilty plea to all sixteen counts. He says she was fined $1,600 and sentenced to 12 months in jail, with 15 days to be served with the balance probated for 2 years or until the restitution of $39,513.25 is paid in full, whichever is longer. Her sentence also includes terms and conditions that she not commit or be charged with another offense, pay all fines and court costs, pay any and all jail fees, forfeit all animals seized and never to be returned, and not to own or possess a horse or horses.
According to Sheriff White, the case was prosecuted by Lyon County Attorney Lee Wilson. The case was investigated by Chief Deputy Sam Adams who was assisted by the Eddyville Fire Department Lyon County Cooperative Extension Service, Williams Veterinary Clinic, and A & A Horse Haven in Boaz.
