Friday, Sep. 26, 2008

2 sisters ordered to stay away from animals

By John Trumbo, Herald staff writer

Two sisters accused of animal neglect and not keeping their horses and cows fenced in Finley have been ordered to stay away from the animals that are under protective care of Benton County authorities.

Bonnie Schwabrow, 47, and Connie Lawyer were in Benton County District Court on Wednesday when court Commissioner William R. Platts assigned attorneys and issued an order to stop the the defendants from driving by an equine boarding facility or otherwise inquiring about the animals.

"The court said Bonnie cannot get in touch with the caregivers or drive by," said Allison Hewitt, deputy prosecutor handling the case.

The county intends to adopt out the seized livestock.

Schwabrow and Lawyer have separate court-appointed attorneys for cases stemming from the seizure of 23 horses and nine cattle July 31 on allegations the animals were not receiving proper feed, water and care.

The defendants also have hired a Moses Lake lawyer, Ted Mahr, to help them retain ownership of the horses, cattle and bull that have been under protection and care of the county for 55 days.

"We've made it clear we are taking action to get the animals adopted out as soon as possible," Hewitt said.

Mahr said he has asked for a civil forfeiture hearing so he can argue why the county should not adopt out his clients' animals.