Garrett County farm owner charged with animal cruelty

From Staff Reports
Cumberland Times-News

GORMAN — Authorities have filed charges against the owner of 26 starving horses that were found on a farm in Gorman.

Denise Lohr of the Garrett County Humane Society said Richard Friend of Oakland faces 18 counts of animal cruelty. Lohr said authorities planned to serve Friend with the charges Tuesday.

Friend has not responded to an interview request from the Times-News.

The Humane Society took possession of the horses, as well as 18 cows and six goats May 13. Lohr said one horse had to be euthanized, but the rest of the animals are recovering. It was the largest number of animals ever seized by the county Humane Society in a single incident.

An investigation of the King Wildesen Road property turned up skulls and other remains of at least 17 animals in various stages of decomposition.

The live horses are being kept at Days End Farm to recover, with the goal of adopting them out when they are healthy. The cattle and goats are being kept on another farm adjacent to the Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine.


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350 Deep Creek Lake Info, Business Directories, Classified Ads, Events & more! Advertise on http://www.deepcreekalive.com/!