Writer Colin DeVries in the Hudson-Catskill Newspapers writes:
CATSKILL — Former thoroughbred horse breeder Ernest Paragallo has been given the maximum sentence of two years in jail and a $33,000 fine Tuesday after 33 thoroughbreds on his Center Brook Farm in Climax were found starved and neglected.
At least this is some measure of justice; many of you have seen pictures and video of the shocking story–scores of horses near death from neglect, and for some the rescue came too late.
“Paragallo’s attorney Michael Howard was shocked by the court’s sentence, particularly because Paragallo is a first-time offender.
I can’t fathom a two-year sentence for a first-time offender,” Howard said. “It’s pretty shocking.”
What’s Your Opinion: Fair Sentence? Not Nearly Punishment Enough? Or “Shocking and Unfathomable”, as Mr. Howard seems to think?
Did you hear he’s out on bail pending appeal? makes my skin crawl.
Both Paragallo AND his attorney give me goosebumps. Calling a 2 year sentence he’s unlikely to serve “shocking” suggests that we ought to wait for him to do it again before harsher punishment is handed down. It implies that Paragallo has been somehow inexplicably wronged by the justice system. How unfortunate that the horses who experienced his disgusting neglect weren’t able to spend as little time with him as he’s expected to actually serve.