68-year-old woman arrested for severely neglecting 10 horses

Fairport, N.Y. – On Tuesday Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement investigators arrested Elaine Bute, 68, in connection with horses suffering from severe neglect in Orleans County.

On July 26, 2022, investigators responded to a request from Orleans County Animal Control about horses believed to be in poor condition. When they got there, they discovered a Palomino standing on at least 2 feet of packed manure, thin, with overgrown hooves, making it difficult for the horse to bear weight and move around the stall.

Investigators got a warrant to search the property, and found ten horses living in various areas on the property. Multiple horses were found covered in their own feces, in stalls full of manure and old straw. Several were thin, with severely overgrown hooves. There was not enough water in the areas where the horses were.

“The ten horses found on the property were seized for their safety and receiving proper care at Lollypop Farm,” reports Vice-President for Humane Law Enforcement Reno Di Domenico. “Severe neglect like that found in this case causes pain and distress to the animals involved. Abuse of this nature must be addressed and abusers held accountable for the crimes committed against the animals in their care.”

Bute has been charged with ten counts of animal cruelty. She will appear at the Carlton Town Court on September 12. If she’s found guilty on all ten charges, Bute could face up to a $10,000 fine and/or up to 10 years in prison.

To report suspected animal cruelty, call the Lollypop Farm Animal Cruelty Hotline at (585) 223-6500 or 911 for immediate life-threatening situations.