LIHU‘E — The defendant facing 16 cruelty to animals charges was declared fit for trial Tuesday. Based on the content of a one-panel examination letter from psychologist Dr. Olaf Gitter, 5th Circuit Chief Judge Randal Valenciano found Lara Butler-Brady fit
LIHU‘E — The defendant facing 16 cruelty to animals charges was declared fit for trial Tuesday.
Based on the content of a one-panel examination letter from psychologist Dr. Olaf Gitter, 5th Circuit Chief Judge Randal Valenciano found Lara Butler-Brady fit to proceed to trial on March 12.
Valenciano had approved a motion from defense attorney Craig De Costa on Oct. 25, which called for a one-panel examination to determine her penal responsibility and fitness to proceed.
A one-panel is required in misdemeanor cases. A three-panel is required in felony cases.
County Deputy County Attorney Melinda Mendes offered no objection to the court’s fitness finding for Butler-Brady. She had filed a memorandum of opposition to the appointment of examiners in October, alleging that the motion should have been introduced in the pretrial phase.
Butler-Brady, owner of Keapana Horsemanship in Hanama‘ulu, operated a privately owned riding stable that took tours in the Wailua Falls area. After complaints of emaciated-looking horses on the property, the Kaua‘i Humane Society conducted a site visit with a search warrant on May 28, 2010.
A total of 16 horses and colts were discovered on the 165-acre ranch and taken into protective custody. They continue to be maintained by KHS at its Puhi shelter and through some privately owned land.
Butler-Brady was indicted on July 13, 2010, on 16 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals. The maximum penalty is a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
According to Mendes, the court delay is costing KHS $250 per day in maintaining the 16 horses until the outcome of the trial. She filed a notice of intent on Oct. 4 to request restitution and forfeiture of the horses upon conviction of any counts.
In a voicemail to The Garden Island, Butler-Brady said the reports of her case have been distorted. She added that she intends to expose wrongdoing of individuals and organizations in her trial.
