CENTRE COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — As least a couple months in jail and special provisions for probation, that is the sentence for a Centre County man who reportedly had animals found dead or neglected on his farm.
State police say they were called to the 150-acre, Curtin Township farm of Levi Byler, in January of 2023, following a report of a dead horse that had been lying in a farm field for a week.
Police say the 30-year-old Byler told them that he had to go to Florida for health reasons, and admitted no one was taking care of his horses, sheep, and cows.
Police say there was little or no food or water for the animals, and only a small amount of shelter.
In court Friday, Byler was sentenced to two months to a year in jail, followed by two years of probation that specifies state police will have access to the property to ensure his animals are receiving better treatment.
Byler still owns a horse, and a kennel for Rottweilers.
He was also fined $1,500.