A civil action that removed 180 animals from the custody of Grady Whitlock will continue, despite Whitlock’s death last week, according to Greenbrier Prosecutor Patrick I. Via.
Horses and cattle, allegedly neglected, were discovered on two Greenbrier County farms in early February when law enforcement officers investigated reports of dead horses on Whitlock’s farm near Crawley.
At that farm, investigators discovered 32 deceased horses and approximately 80 other horses in reportedly poor condition.
Three days later, the county’s humane officer found four dead horses and two dead cows on another Whitlock-owned farm near Lewisburg. More than 100 head of cattle and horses in poor condition were found there.
Whitlock was briefly taken into custody and charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty.
Only days later, Greenbrier Circuit Judge Joseph C. Pomponio Jr. granted the humane officer’s request for temporary custody of the neglected animals.
Whitlock, a longtime Beckley businessman, died suddenly April 7, at the age of 83.
“The criminal cases, obviously, are done, with (Whitlock’s) being deceased,” the prosecutor said Thursday morning.
“The civil forfeiture case will proceed,” Via said. “Mr. Whitlock’s estate administrator will become a party to the proceedings in his place.”
Via explained, “This happens in civil cases from time to time.
“The estate administrator or executor stands in the shoes of the deceased.”
Meanwhile, the animals in question remain on the farms where they were found but are now in the custody of the animal control officer, Sheriff’s Cpl. Todd Williams.
“The order the court entered is still in force and effect,” Via noted.
“Our guys are feeding the horses and cows and bringing in veterinarians as needed.”
The prosecutor said he expects a further hearing in the civil case to be scheduled soon.
— E-mail: talvey@register-herald.com
Local News
April 15, 2011
Whitlock animal forfeiture case to continue
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