Terry Miller
A magistrate yesterday ordered the removal of animals at the Bahamas Association for Social Health (BASH) yesterday morning, after its executive director pleaded not guilty to 14 animal cruelty related charges.
Magistrate Subusola Swain also issued an order prohibiting Terry Miller, 64, from owning any further animals until the conclusion of the court matter.
Attorney for the Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) Metta MacMillan-Hughes said in court that five horses on BASH's property were found in "exceptionally poor condition" and two of them had to be euthanized.
Miller, who was represented by attorney Michael Kemp, said he loved the horses and did what he could for them.
"It's not a simple matter of me hiding those horses and mistreating them," he said.
He was charged with five counts of depriving chestnut paint gelding horses Arab, Martini, Zeus, Soca, and Red, of such sustenance, drinks, shelter or movement that is required.
He was charged further with five counts of committing or omitting an act, which resulted in the horses being caused unnecessary suffering.
He was accused of a further two counts of deprivation and two counts of causing unnecessary suffering, in relation to a black and white buck goat and 10 to 12 rabbits.
It is alleged that all of the offenses took place between February 19 and April 8, 2016 at BASH premises in Chippingham.
It is alleged that Miller deprived the animals - owned by him or otherwise under his care - of such sustenance that is required, in that the food provided was not of the nutritional value it required and or it was well below the daily caloric content it required thereby causing it to suffer from severe malnutrition starvation.
Miller was also accused of omitting to provide the animals with anyone or more of the following: proper nutrition in sufficient amounts; a regular supply of clean fresh water; proper and regular health care; medical treatment and medications when required; or a safe and suitable environment, thus causing it unnecessary suffering.
He pleaded not guilty to all 14 counts.
When asked by Swain if he cannot afford to feed the horses, Miller explained there are moments when BASH is "challenged" when it comes to expenses.
He explained although he doesn't have any professional training in taking care of the horses, he directs others to care for the animals and veterinarians visit the horses every two months to check on them.
MacMillan-Hughes accused Miller of not having the funds to properly care for the horses and said BHS has made efforts to "guide" Miller in caring for the animals but he did not adhere to advice.
She said BHS eventually moved in and removed the horses.
She said Arab and Zeus had to be euthanized while Soca, Martini, and Red remain in poor condition.
The three horses, MacMillan-Hughes said, are being kept at two of BHS's auxiliary stables - one in Lyford Cay and the other just outside Lyford Cay.
Miller said although it may have been a "big mistake" not to "put [the horses] down" when they became ill, he always tried to do what was best for them.
"I loved those horses," he said. "When I realized I couldn't do any more for them, I released them to the humane society."
Miller said he "always calls on the humane society" when he needs assistance and 10 weeks ago, he and BHS officials, "tried to see" what they could do for the ailing horses.
He also indicated in addition to the horses and rabbits, BASH also has snakes and chickens on the property; however, the goat has gone missing.
Swain, who identified herself as an equestrian, said animals have rights and ought to be allowed to live in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible.
She ordered that all of the animals on BASH's property, except two cats and a dog which are kept as house pets, be released to BHS and that Miller be barred from owning any further animals, pending the resumption of the prosecution.
Kemp told the court that BASH, a non-profit rehabilitation program for those with substance abuse problems, uses the animals to assist in rehabilitation efforts for people with substance abuse problems and those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
He indicated they would be sad to see the animals go, but Swain stuck to her removal order.
Miller was granted bail in the amount of $5,000 and will return to court on June 20 for trial.
Dana Smith, Guardian Staff Reporter
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