Monday, February 13, 2012

A local veterinarian accused of animal abuse will go to trial. On Monday, Dr. John Brooks pleaded not guilty to 71 counts of Committing Cruelty to or Treating Animals Inhumanely.

Sedgwick County animal control officers confiscated the horses from Brooks' property last week after they received reports the animals didn't have food or drinkable water available to them. Brooks' attorney Lynnette Herrman says those allegations are not true.

"We believe that at trial it will be shown that there was an appropriate amount of food for the horses and that they had water," said Herrman.

Brooks' personal difficulties started a year ago when he suffered a heart attack and stroke. Herrman says Brooks is still dealing with health issues and is receiving help from others in caring for the horses.

"From talking with Dr. Brooks and everyone that was assisting him, there was never any indication that he was ever unable to provide adequate care for these horses," said Herrman.

While he awaits trial, county code requires Brooks to post a bond of $21,300 for the horses' care. Herrman says if bond isn't posted, the county could dispose of the horses.

Brooks is scheduled to go to trial on Feb .27. If found guilty, besides losing the horses, Brooks could be force to pay thousands of dollars in penalties.