Owner Is Convicted of Cruelty to Horse

A Shadow Hills man was convicted Monday of animal cruelty for neglecting a retired thoroughbred racehorse, which lost nearly 400 pounds through starvation.

Robert Clayton Buick, a 53-year-old real estate salesman who owns several other horses, could be jailed for up to six months when sentenced Friday by Van Nuys Municipal Judge Jessica Perrin Silvers.

Silvers could also order Buick to give up ownership of the horse, Handsome Lad, a descendant of racing champions Seabiscuit and Man o’ War, Deputy City Atty. Holly S. Beckner said.

Buick was convicted of misdemeanor counts of cruelty to an animal and permitting an animal to go without proper care. Buick declined to comment after the verdict.

Buick was charged in June after an animal control officer setting a dog trap near Buick’s stables saw the horse, Beckner said. The animal was emaciated and dehydrated and had numerous sores, she said.

“It was just skin and bones,” Beckner said.

The horse, which Buick had bought as part of a plan to open a stud ranch, regained its health after receiving food, water and minor medical treatment, Beckner said. The horse remains in the custody of the Los Angeles Animal Regulation Department.

During Buick’s trial last week, he contended that the horse had health problems that hindered its ability to eat. However, Beckner argued that it was still the owner’s responsibility to seek help for the animal.