PIRU : Animal Neglect Hearing Delayed
A preliminary hearing in what officials call the most severe case of animal neglect in Ventura County this year has been delayed because the defendant, Dale Beem, was too ill to appear in court, his attorney said Monday.
Tim Quinn said his client was hospitalized because of complications of diabetes. A new court date was set Sept. 27.
Felony charges of animal cruelty and neglect were filed against Beem in June after more than 100 animals were allegedly found starved at his rented ranch on Piru Canyon Road. At the time they were impounded, Humane Society director Jolene Hoffman called the animals “walking skeletons.”
All seven of the confiscated horses have returned to health, Hoffman said. Of 69 rabbits, 45 have survived.
The society is also caring for three dogs, a cat and a cockatiel.
Thirty-five sheep, also impounded, remain in the custody of county animal regulation.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
