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Man faces charges for cruelty to animals

MIDDLEBURG — John Stahl, 54, of Middleburg, is accused of multiple counts of animal cruelty, according to local police.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, police were dispatched to 19 Horseshoe Bend Road for a welfare check involving animals. The police reportedly met a witness who lived close to the property, and they reported to police they hadn’t seen anyone go to the barn to take care of the animals in the last three days.

Later that night, police met with Stahl’s wife, who reported that Stahl was out of town in New York. After being denied a search of the barn, police obtained a warrant and found that all of the animals had no food or water and there were several sanitation issues; two bulls were reportedly being kept in a small wooden space, two boxer dogs were found with one female having infections, one huskie was limping with six puppies not being cared for and three pigs were reportedly fenced in a small, dirty space.

According to the affidavit, police transported all of the animals that needed the most care to an animal hospital.

Police later interviewed Stahl on July 22. According to police, Stahl said the barn had “gotten behind.” He also failed to provide relevant medical or treatment records for any of the animals.

After the interview, police received reports from the animal hospital stating the huskie needed its leg amputated, a boxer needed surgery and two calves had died.

J. Stahl is facing four count felonies of the third degree of aggravated cruelty to animals, causing SBI or death charges, four count misdemeanors of the second degree of cruelty to animals charges, 14 count misdemeanors of the third degree of neglect of animals-vet care charges, 18 counts of neglect of animals-sustenance/water charges, 12 counts of neglect of animals-shelter/protection, 14 counts of neglect of animals-vet care and 18 counts of cruelty to animals charges

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 3 before Magisterial District Judge Lori Hackenberg. Stahl is currently free on $25,000 unsecured bail.

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