Paragallo conference put off

A conference in Coxsackie, N.Y., Town Court to discuss the charges of animal abuse filed against Thoroughbred owner Ernie Paragallo was adjourned on Monday at the request of his attorney, a clerk for the court said.

The attorney requested the adjournment of the conference with prosecutors in order to review additional evidence in the case, according to the clerk. A makeup date has not yet been set. Paragallo's attorney, Michael Howard, did not return a phone call on Monday.

Paragallo, 51, was arrested April 10 and charged with the 22 counts of animal abuse by state police under allegations that he neglected to provide for care of more than 170 horses at his Center Brook Farm in Climax, N.Y. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. He remains free on bail.

Paragallo has been stripped of his authorized agent's license by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.

The horses on Center Brook Farm are currently under the care of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, which provided the assessment of the horses on the farm to police. On Monday, Pfizer Animal Health, the veterinary division of the large pharmaceutical company, donated equine-health supplies for the care of the horses, according to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.