"Hopefully it will set a standard for everyone else that if you abuse your animals, we're going to find out about it" - Nichole Burdine, Hancock County Dog Warden

Fernando Mastrantoni was found guilty of two counts of animal cruelty by Hancock County Magistrate Mike Powell Tuesday.

Mastrantoni, 44, of Weirton, was charged with the two counts of animal cruelty in July following an investigation by the Hancock County Dog Warden. One of Mastrantoni's horses, an older palomino mare, was taken from his farm and had to put down because of a large open wound on its upper right shoulder for which Mastrantoni failed to seek medical attention. Sheriff Mike White said at the time they were not sure how the wound was received.

A dog was also taken from Mastrantoni's property. The dog, a collie mix, had suffered sores on its neck because it was being chained up with a lock chain and no collar. The dog, who also had no free access to food or water, was taken to the Hancock County Animal Shelter and later placed in a home. It was expected to make a full recovery.

White said the dog warden had received several complaints from Mastrantoni's neighbors, which began the investigation. Humane Officer Nichole Burdine said there are several other animals on Mastrantoni's property, including horses and cattle, which have not been seized, but "are being watched to make sure nothing else happens."

White said Mastrantoni has previously been charged on more than one occasion with allowing his cattle to run loose.

Mastrantoni will be sentenced at a hearing on Dec. 16, at which point the fate of the other animals will be decided.

"I'm going to try to make sure he doesn't keep possession of the animals, but that will be up to the magistrate," Burdine said.

Mastrantoni, who is currently out on bond, faces up to six months in jail for both counts of animal cruelty.

"Hopefully it will set a standard for everyone else that if you abuse your animals, we're going to find out about it," Burdine said.