Investigation into Napiers' daughter, son-in-law for animal cruelty remains ongoing

MANATEE -- The investigation into the daughter and son-in-law of the owners of Napier's Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary on accusations of animal cruelty will continue before authorities decide whether to file formal charges against the couple.

The sheriff's office confiscated five horses Tuesday from the 4900 block of Wingate Road in Myakka City after deputies investigated complaints that the horses were emaciated. The sheriff's office has been to the property numerous times on complaints. Charges are pending against Heather and Eric Morin.

Last year, the sheriff's office confiscated 300 animals from the Napiers. Two of the horses confiscated are believed to be horses that had been returned following the original investigation into the Napiers, after the daughter claimed the horses belonged to her and were not her parents' horses.

"The most important thing is to get those animals under care where they are going to make a quick recovery," sheriff's office spokesman Dave Bristow said. "We have the horses and we think with some TLC the horses will recover."

The horses haven't been cared for, he added.

The sheriff's office has already reached out to the State Attorney's Office as they continue their investigation.

"We will continue to work with the state and we will make a determination," Bristow said.

While animal services is not involved with the seizure of livestock, the sheriff's office did reach out to them as a precaution since there are two Great Danes that live on the property.

An animal services officer was sent to the Napier property during the latest investigation, according to county spokesman Nicholas Azzara.

"The owners had two older dogs and they were in good health," Azzara said. "There were no signs of neglect."

Both dogs were allowed to remain in the owners' care.

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 Sheree Napier 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, in an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies led by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. About 300 animals were found living in deplorable conditions and the remains of 20 others were also uncovered.

The sanctuary owns three properties in East Manatee.

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 23, 2015 at 4:55 PM with the headline "Investigation into Napiers' daughter, son-in-law for animal cruelty remains ongoing ."