Abused horses confiscated from Napier property

MYAKKA CITY -- Five horses have been confiscated from a property owned by Napier's Log Cabin and Horse Sanctuary -- whose owners were convicted this year of animal cruelty and fraud -- and the couple's daughter and son-in-law now face charges.

At 2 p.m. Tuesday, the five horses were seized from the property in the 4900 block of Wingate Road in Myakka City when deputies investigated complaints that the horses were emaciated. The sheriff's office has been to the property numerous times on complaints in the past. Last year, the sheriff's office confiscated 300 animals from the Napiers.

"This time the horses were in the worst shape seen by the deputies," Sgt. Rob Hendrickson wrote Tuesday in the news release. For their safety they were seized and taken to the Manatee County jail. The jail has a farm where all confiscated livestock are taken.

Criminal charged are pending against Heather and Rico Morin, according to the sheriff's office.

In February, a jury found Alan Napier guilty of eight counts of aggravated animal abuse, one count of scheming to defraud and one count of unlawful solicitation. He was found not guilty of two counts of aggravated animal abuse and one count of animal abuse.

His wife was found guilty of eight counts of aggravated animal abuse and one count of scheming to defraud. She was found not guilty of one count of unlawful solicitation, two counts of aggravated animal abuse and one count of animal abuse.

Alan Napier is serving a three-year prison sentence, which will be followed by four years of probation. Sheree Napier was ordered to serve 270 days in the Manatee County jail, but was released from jail in June on bond as she waits the outcome of an appeal.

Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary, 20010 State Road 64 E., was raided Feb. 5, 2014, led by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Authorities found about 300 animals living in deplorable conditions.

The sanctuary owns three properties in total in East Manatee.

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, an advocate for animals, said they will see their day in court like everyone else.

"I don't think anybody in Manatee County will tolerate abuse to animals," Whitmore said. "You would think this family would have learned by now. Shame on them if they are abusing animals."

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter@JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published December 22, 2015 at 5:56 PM with the headline "Abused horses confiscated from Napier property ."