By Staff
CASSOPOLIS - Sheriff Joseph Underwood, Jr. announces the Animal Control Division of his office will be conducting a sealed-bid auction of 25 horses that became property of the County of Cass by an order of the Fourth District Court on Wednesday, March 1.
On Jan. 17, 2006, Penny Harlan pled no contest to two counts of cruelty to animals in Fourth District Court. As a part of a plea agreement, Harlan agreed to forfeit 14 horses to the County and relinquish her ownership rights to the other 16 uncharged horses. In exchange for the plea agreement, the prosecutor's office will dismiss remaining charges and not ask the Court for jail time at the time of sentencing, which is scheduled for March 23.
Individuals may view the horses on the internet by accessing the County's website, (casscountymi.org) and following the link on the Animal Shelter page.
Individuals interested in being considered as a bidder on any of the horses must complete an application. Those applications are available at the Animal Shelter, 323 M-62 North, Cassopolis.
The deadline to return applications is this Monday, March 13.
The Shelter will review applications and notify qualified applicants by no later than Monday, March 20.
Viewing of the horses by qualified bidders is scheduled for March 21 and 22. Deadline for qualified bidders to submit their sealed bids on any of the horses is Thursday, March 23 at 3 p.m.
Bids must be presented at the Animal Shelter. Bids will be opened at 10 a.m. in the Kincheloe Room of the County Building, 120 N. Broadway, Cassopolis, on Friday, March 24.
Successful bidders will be notified on Friday, March 24 by 5 p.m. Payment deadline is March 29, and horses must be removed by March 31.