Owners of wandering livestock face fines, loss of animals

Two Kennewick sisters whose horses and cattle were seized after being found wandering this summer on neighbors' property in Finley, Benton County, have been ordered to pay $38,409 in restitution to Benton County.

Bonnie Schwabrow and Connie Lawyer, both 47, also received two years probation and suspended sentences of 90 days jail for each misdemeanor count of having animals at large, said District Court Commissioner William Platts.

"You folks won't be going to jail," Platts said at Thursday's hearing for restitution and sentencing.

"Thank the Lord," Lawyer muttered.

Moments earlier, the sisters gasped when Platts said the defendants should never have had the livestock, which sheriff's deputies said were found 4 ½ months ago in poor condition without adequate food and water.

The sisters deny there was animal neglect, saying they have video evidence to prove otherwise. Schwabrow last week pleaded guilty to two counts of animals at large, while Lawyer pleaded guilty to one.

Platts agreed with Allison Hewitt, deputy prosecutor, that the 27 horses — which include recently born foals — six cows and a bull should be offered for auction today at the Toppenish Livestock Market.

Whatever can be obtained at the auction will offset the restitution, Platts said, adding that the sisters were ordered to "not interfere" with the auction.

As a condition of sentencing, the judge also said each defendant could not have more than four horses, cattle or mules.

Hewitt asked the judge to order Schwabrow and Lawyer not to show up at the auction and repurchase any of their livestock.

Platts said he couldn't stop a third party from buying animals for the sisters, but it couldn't be more than eight for the two sisters combined.

"They are not going to hobby farm anymore. It gets out of hand," Platts said.

He rejected a proposal by a civil attorney for the sisters that they be allowed to reclaim their livestock and put them on property in Benton City.

Restitution costs were based on Benton County paying for the seizure, transportation, veterinary care, boarding and feeding the livestock since July 31. Hewitt said she wanted to conclude the case quickly because every day costs county taxpayers another $300.

Platts told Schwabrow she must pay $35 restitution per month for each of her two counts. Lawyer is obliged to pay $35 per month.

Hewitt told the Herald if the livestock aren't sold Saturday, she is considering advertising a private sale for the horses and cattle.

Shawna Byington of the Lazy Spur Ranch in Finley, Benton County, where some of the animals have been kept, said the county's only other choices would be to sell the horses to "kill buyers" at a livestock auction in Moses Lake or Davenport, Lincoln County, and they'd be sent to a slaughterhouse.

Hewitt said the sisters' horse herd includes six stallions, two foals and a couple of pregnant mares.

"We are not going to get much money for them," she told the court.

At $105 per month in court-ordered payments from the sisters it would take about 30 years to pay off the $38,409.